'Keep it up!" Health chief's plea as Doncaster coronavirus rates show big drop

Dr Rupert Suckling, Doncaster’s Director of Public Health, has paid tribute to people in the town for helping to reduce the rate of infection – but has urged residents not to let their guard down.

In his weekly update, he said: “I wanted to start this week’s update by thanking all of you for your efforts to bring the infection rate down.

"I appreciate the sacrifices that you and your loved ones are making. I am pleased to say that we are seeing the results of this. Our rate is falling and has been for the last nine consecutive days.”

Doncaster’s rate currently is 364.6 per 100,000 people for the time period of 7-13 November.

The positivity rate - the number of people that are testing positive - has fallen to 13.7%.

This is a significant reduction from 570 per 100,000 that the town was seeing a few weeks ago.

He added: “So thank you and please keep this up. We're halfway through the national restrictions, and a further two weeks of sacrifice will make a big impact.

“As I mentioned last week, Doncaster is to pick up local test and trace work. This will help us to find local infections, hot spots and areas of stubborn infection rates and act on the ground compared to the national system.

"We have been working hard to get our plans in place with a team of dedicated staff in Doncaster including staff who will be able to go out in the community.

"We are having early discussions with schools and care homes as I would want to see them tested soonest. This is not mass testing like in Liverpool but will be targeted work in areas or settings where we need to act quickly. Please do follow the guidance and work with my colleagues if they get in touch. Your help is vital to make this work.”

He also added that householders will soon be receiving the Council’s Staying Safe and Well Winter Booklet.

Said Dr Suckling: “Please do take time to read it. It includes advice and guidance on staying well in the colder months, Coronavirus, mental health and wellbeing advice, a guide to NHS services available, financial support guidance, carers and family support and a lot more. It also explains where you can find help and support online or on the phone.

“So thank you all again – keep this up. If we get our infection rate right down, then it stands us in better stead.”