Public health boss has this message as coronavirus cases rise

In the past week, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in St Helens has risen sharply, following a regional trend that has seen neighbouring areas affected by a similar rise.

St Helens’ director of public health confirmed the rise in new infections is not due to an increase in testing.

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The council also confirmed there are “capacity issues” at Haydock Park Racecourse, which is operating as a drive-thru test centre.

To date, 1,366 people have tested positive for coronavirus in St Helens, with 19 new cases being added to Public Health England’s cumulative total today.

Newton-le-Willows is the worst affected area, with Haydock also an area of concern.

Ward councillors were told during a briefing today the largest spreader of the virus is thought to be around younger generations socialising in pubs.

As a result of the spike, residents are being urged to avoid mixing with different groups of people in a short space of time.

Residents are also encouraged to continue to follow all guidance on social distancing, hand washing, keeping distance and wearing face masks.

Residents should continue to follow key guidance to help reduce transmission

The council said it will write to residents living in the worst-affected areas.

Those people on who are on the shielding list in the affected area will also be contacted directly to offer support and advice.

Sue Forster, director of public health at St Helens Borough Council, said: “We are seeing a worrying quick increase in positive tests across the borough and the worst affected at present is the Newton-le-Willows area.

“This rise has happened even though we have not seen a rise in testing numbers in the borough, so we are seeing more community transmission at this time.

“We are taking this action to cut off the community transmission by making people in the Newton-le-Willows area aware there has been a number of confirmed cases in close proximity to them.

“This virus thrives on contact, so we all have a role to play in reducing the opportunity for it to spread.

“Letters will be sent to those households in the affected area which are deemed more vulnerable to risk of Covid-19 while schools and community groups will be also be targeted in the communications in Newton-le-Willows.

“But the message is the same to everybody in the borough. Help to reduce the risk of transmission by limiting the number of people you meet with from outside your household, particularly around social activities at home or out and about, sure you keep at least 2m distance if possible, wash
hands regularly and wear a face mask in enclosed spaces.”

It is understood the council has known about the spike in Newton-le-Willows since Monday, but has only now issued specific advice.

Labour sources said senior cabinet members are “extremely angry that it has taken far longer than necessary for council officials to get basic information out to residents and will be demanding answers”.

Earlier today, St Helens North MP and Shadow Home Office Minister Conor McGinn took to Twitter to request an “urgent briefing” from council officials about the rising infection rates.

This briefing subsequently took place earlier this evening.

Writing on Facebook, Mr McGinn said: “There has been a concerning increase in coronavirus cases in Newton, Earlestown and Haydock over the last week, as in several other parts of Merseyside and the North West.

“I’ve received a full briefing this afternoon from senior St Helens Council officers and public health officials, who are working hard to deal with a changing and complex set of circumstances.

“There is a need for us all to take this seriously and to keep washing our hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and stay at least a metre apart.”

The Labour MP said it is “essential” that people follow the new Government guidance that has been issued nationally today.

This includes a new restriction making social gatherings of more than six people, indoors or outdoors, will be illegal in England from Monday, September 14.

Mr McGinn added: “Alongside MP colleagues, I have contacted the Health Secretary to ask him to provide ensure adequate testing availability in St Helens and across the North West to meet any increased demand.

“We have had weeks of unhelpful mixed messages from the Government.

“But it is vital – as well as being the law – that everyone adheres to the new restrictions, and follows the advice that will be given locally.”

Testing is available at Haydock Park Racecourse

If you show any coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild they may be, you must isolate for 10 days and get a test.

Even if your results come back negative you should continue to isolate as the test is only a picture of your health at that time.

The main symptoms to look out for are a fever, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell.

READ > Coronavirus infection rate rockets in Newton-le-Willows

Testing at Haydock Park Racecourse is available to book online or by calling 119.

If you are unsuccessful booking a test, the council recommends waiting a few hours and trying to rebook later in the day.

For more advice, particularly if you need support with food and medicine or if you need to isolate, click here.

Alternatively call St Helens Contact Cares on 01744 676767.

To view the new Government guidance, click here.