Health bosses in Barnsley concerned over coronavirus cases 'creeping up' in Wombwell

A joint statement from Coun Sir Steve Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Council and chair of the Barnsley outbreak control engagement board, and Julia Burrows, director of public health in Barnsley stated they are seeing an "increase" of positive cases of coronavirus in the Wombwell area.

The statement said that some of the positive cases are down to people socialising, and reiterated government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

In Barnsley, there were 22 cases per 100,000 people in the week of August 9-15. The average area in England had 8.

In that week, there were 55 cases of coronavirus - an increase of 20 from the week previous.

There have been 247 coronavirus-related deaths registered in the borough to August 7.

The statement added: "Equally, it could happen anywhere across Barnsley.

"If we don't maintain social distancing and follow the rules, the situation for Barnsley could get much worse.

"Across the country, we've seen places where shops, pubs and workplaces have been forced to close. We need to do everything we can to stop this from happening in Barnsley.

"We now have access to data that is shared across health and care partners to ensure we can work together quickly to act on local cases of coronavirus.

"We'll be using this data to contact people who test positive or who may be at risk as part of our local response. This means you could receive a call, text, letter or visit from someone at Barnsley Council or one of our healthcare partners to offer you support and advice.

"Our staff will be out and about in the Wombwell area, talking to local people, sharing key messages on staying safe and encouraging people with concerns to get a test.

"We know that some of these positive cases in Wombwell are from people socialising together. We know you've missed spending time with friends and family but remember these two important rules - when you're outside, don't meet with more than six people together at a time and you can only socialise indoors with people from up to two households.

"Remember, in both of these situations, you still must social distance and wash your hands regularly. The closer you get to your friends and family, the easier it is to get the virus and pass it on.

"After such a long time, it's easy for us to become complacent, and we know many of us are desperate to get back to our daily routines."

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