Sheffield Council says drop in Covid-19 cases among young people is no ‘cause for complacency’

There were 2,485 new coronavirus cases recorded in Sheffield in the seven days to October 19, according to the latest data available from Public Health England published on October 23.

This figures show a fall in numbers on the previous week, up to October 12, when 2,649 new cases were recorded.

Sheffield Council said the “vast majority” of the decrease has come among people in the 18 to 24 age group – but warned that it is masking a “consistent” rise in infection rates among other age groups.

The authority said: “The number of cases per 100,000 people climbed steeply at the start of October.

"While it has levelled off and started to drop off, the vast majority of the decrease is in the ‘young people’ age group - the 18-24s.

"This is not a cause for complacency. The spike in cases in the 18-24 age group masks a consistent increase in infection rates in other age groups.

"Cases are ‘stacking’ up through the age groups and steadily increasing in those who are most vulnerable. This requires further action to stop the spread.

"Cases are spread across the city. The virus being passed between people through day-to-day contact is increasing - ‘Community transmission’.

"Advice remains the same. Wash your hands. Keep your space. Wear a face covering.”

Tier 3 restrictions came into force across South Yorkshire on Saturday as part of an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the county.

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