Sheffield reaches unwanted Covid-19 ‘turning point’ ahead of Tier 4 review

In a hard-hitting video by Sheffield Public Health Director, Greg Fell released on Tuesday (December 22), he said the improvements the city has seen in the past two months have now stopped.

According to the latest data by Public Health England, Sheffield has recorded a surge in its positive cases, with 913 new cases - a rise of 102 cases or 12.6 percent based on seven-day instances to December 17.

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"Last week or so, that fall has ground to a halt and there are signs it's now starting to go back up and I expect that will continue over the course of the rest of December and January.

"The rate is flat-lining at very, very best and is beginning to go up and I think it will continue to go up.

"Importantly, the incidence in the elderly is rising and that's always been the group that we worry most about because that's the group that are most likely to be seriously ill.

"Significant numbers of people in hospital, significant numbers of people with really complex and quite serious illnesses that are having long lengths of stay...that had been falling very slowly but there are some signs that that is also beginning to rise as well."

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He said this is an epidemic that "turned a coin on a number of occasions" and would appear to be one of the next turning points for the city.

"It underscores the importance of the fact that this is a dangerous respiratory virus that kills 1 percent of the people that become poorly with it...and actually the mortality and serious illness is much higher than 1 percent in some of the elderly and medically vulnerable."

He also warned the public to be "exceptionally careful" about Christmas and reminded them to be extra mindful throughout the festive period.

"In some ways I kind of make no apology for being hard-hitting about this one, as I say it's a dangerous virus, it kills people."

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.