Barnsley Council leader outlines strategy to keep coronavirus infections under control

Barnsley Council has published its Local Outbreak Control Plan, which sets out how it will respond in the case of a coronavirus outbreak in the borough.
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The plan outlines the measures the council will take to control a potential outbreak in Barnsley such as testing, contact tracing, monitoring and supporting schools and care homes as well as updating advice for residents to keep themselves safe.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, leader of the council and chair of the Barnsley outbreak control engagement board, said that rates of coronavirus infections in the borough are higher than most areas of the country, and that the council will be 'proactive' in tackling the spread.

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Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton
Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton
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The latest data shows that Barnsley has 1,923 positive cases of coronavirus as of July 15, compared to 4,396 in recently-locked-down Leicester, and 30,240 cases in Yorkshire and The Humber.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton said: "Despite the reductions in Barnsley, the rates we are seeing here and in areas across South Yorkshire are still higher than most other areas in the country, so we want to be more proactive than ever in taking measures to combat the transmission of this virus.

"We’ve produced and published an Outbreak Control Plan (OCP) outlining our approach to prevent, detect, respond to, and reduce the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) among our communities.

"We’ll not be complacent in our approach."

The plan outlines how the council will deal with a potential local outbreak, including using various communication channels to keep residents updated, support businesses to manage any outbreaks in the workforce, identify high-risk areas, and support schools and care homes.

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Cllr Houghton added: "We’ve seen how things can change rapidly with this virus, so it is so crucial that everyone follows the advice to regularly wash your hands, keep a distance of two metres apart and stay at home and get tested if you have any symptoms.

"We’re also encouraging everyone in Barnsley to wear a face-covering when out in enclosed public spaces like shops as it helps protect others from becoming infected. It would make a huge difference if the majority of Barnsley did it – we can all play our part in protecting one another.

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