Covid infections fall in Doncaster - but health boss says decrease is 'fairly slow'

Coronavirus infection rates in Doncaster are now the lowest in South Yorkshire – but the town’s health boss has said while the news is encouraging, figures are dropping at a ‘fairly slow’ rate.
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In his weekly update on the Covid-19 situation in Doncaster, Dr Rupert Suckling, the town’s Director of Public Health said there has been a ‘consistent downward trend’ – but has urged people to keep following the lockdown restrictions.

He said: “I'm pleased to tell you that, over the last week, we have seen a consistent downward trend in both our case rates and positivity rate in Doncaster.

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“After an expected increase over the Christmas and New Year period, our current seven day rate for the period January 16-22 is 246.9 cases/100,000 - currently the lowest in South Yorkshire.

Dr Rupert Suckling.Dr Rupert Suckling.
Dr Rupert Suckling.

“Our positivity rate stands at 9.7% - meaning 9.7% of people who go for a test with symptoms have a positive Covid test. I would expect both of these numbers to decrease further in the coming days.

“While this is really encouraging, the numbers are going down at a fairly slow rate. It is therefore absolutely crucial that we carry on with the basic safety measures - social distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing our hands.

“This will hopefully put us in a good position ahead of the Government's first review of lockdown in mid-February.

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“If you have symptoms, please self-isolate and arrange to get a test. You will also see a number of community test centres including in Hexthorpe, Conisbrough and Stainforth. These are for people without symptoms, and particularly those who still have to leave home to go to work.

“I know it's hard to be under these restrictions for such a long time, but it's so important we keep following the rules. Let's do it for Doncaster.”

Since the start of the pandemic in March, there have been nearly 700 coronavirus deaths in Doncaster, while more than 1,500 have been succesfully treated in hospital and allowed home after treatment.

More than 20,000 people have received their first coronavirus vaccine with the figure set to reach 70,000 by mid-February.