Covid rates fall as city prepares for next stage of lockdown roadmap

In the seven days up to Good Friday, 2 April, there were 46 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city which is a 50% decrease on the previous week and equivalent to a weekly rate of 16 per 100,000 residents. This is lower than the rate for England, which was 39 per 100,000 and the South East at 35 per 100,000. Rates are even lower in the most vulnerable over 60 age group at 12 per 100,000.

This positive news was welcomed by Director of Public Health, Alistair Hill, who also cautioned that it was too early to relax as the virus could spread when people start to mix when lockdown measures started to be eased next week.

He said:  “As a city we can be proud that our patience and diligence has reduced the spread of the virus so effectively. But although we’ve done so well so far, I need to everyone not to drop your guard yet. Covid is still among us.

“As tempting as it might be next week, when we can go shopping and enjoy a meal or drink outside with friends and family, please continue to maintain social distancing. It is too soon for hugs and we still cannot meet up indoors yet.

“Shops and businesses are going to great lengths to keep everyone safe. Please help them by following any one-way systems in place, maintaining a safe distance from each other, wearing face coverings when asked, and providing contact details for NHS track and trace.

“If you have symptoms of Covid please self-isolate and get a PCR test. The free symptom-free LFD tests, and self-isolating following a positive result, can also help to slow the spread of Covid.

“We’ve come this far by supporting and caring for each other. Let’s keep going while the vaccination programme rolls-out. Then we can stay on track to enjoy the next step out of lockdown when restrictions ease again in May.”