Covid rise in South Yorkshire town 'very worrying' says health chief

Barnsley's public health boss has said that coronavirus is ‘spreading fast’ to vulnerable members of the community, which is ‘very worrying’.
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Data from October 5 shows the rate at 47 cases per 100,000 people.

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According to data from Public Health England, the most affected areas in Barnsley are; Thurnscoe, 46 cases; Wath upon Dearne, 40 cases; Birdwell, 39 cases; Ardsley and Stairfoot, 39 cases; Dodworth, 37 cases; Hoyland, 36 cases and Lundwood ,34 cases.

Julia BurrowsJulia Burrows
Julia Burrows

Julia Burrows, director for public health at Barnsley Council added that the increased infection rate is putting pressure on Barnsley Hospital.

Ms Burrows said: "As many of us feared since we started seeing the numbers increase again, they are translating to a rise in hospital admissions, including to Intensive Care, causing significant pressure in our hospital.

“And tragically, since the beginning of October, there has been a rise in the number of Barnsley people dying as a result of the virus.

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"It has never been more important to follow the guidance and rules to halt the spread. We are at risk of the virus getting out of control in Barnsley, and the actions each of us takes will influence whether that happens or not.

“But if we don’t quickly reduce the amount of social mixing between people in Barnsley it will lead to our health services being overwhelmed and will result in more deaths

"Remember, it is now against the law to meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.

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These guidelines aren't only in place to keep you safe but also to protect your parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and frontline workers. I urge you to follow them. "