Matt Hancock urges Rotherham residents to 'enjoy summer safely'

During parliament, Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford asked Mr Hancock what reassurances he could give to constituents, after it was revealed Rotherham had one of the highest coronavirus infection rates in the country.

Mr Stafford said: "Last week it was revealed that Rotherham had one of the highest rates of infection in the entire country. What reassurances can my right honourable friend give the people of Rother Valley that it's safe to go out, it's safe to patronise our businesses, and we are getting control of this virus?

Matt Hancock responded: "It's true that Rotherham has a higher proportion of positive cases than the country as a whole. Nevertheless, that rate is much lower than it was in Leicester, and we're working with the council to make sure that the necessary actions are taken.

"I think everybody in the Rother Valley should take comfort in the fact that nationally the virus is under control . In rural parts of Yorkshire the rate is not that much higher than anywhere else and people should go out and enjoy summer safely. The emphasis should be both on enjoy and on safely."

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