New coronavirus cases in Sandwell among younger people

But fatalities could return – particularly if older and vulnerable people come into contact with those carrying the virus, it has been warned.

Dr Ian Sykes, chairman of Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, speaking to a meeting of Sandwell Citizen Forum this week, said: “The majority of people getting the virus right now is mainly between the 25 to 50 age group.

“What we think maybe happening is people are going to work and maybe picking up a case returning home and not social distancing and then spreading it to their families and the wider community.

“The significance of the age group is that covers younger, fitter people but it is important to note that new cases have ranged from one years-old to 90 years old.”

Sandwell Council has said there were 64 new cases in the seven days up to August 21, down from 84 in the previous week.

The critical rate of infections also dropped to 19.5 per 100,000 falling from 25.6 per 100,000.

The majority of cases were in working age adults with only two per cent of cases in patients aged 65 and above – one of the most at risk groups for Covid-19.

Since August 1, older people have accounted for five percent of infections in the borough.

The four Sandwell wards with the highest numbers of cases last week were Soho and Victoria with 11 cases – 6.3 per 10,000; St Pauls with nine cases – 5.8 per 10,000; Smethwick with eight cases – 5.3 per 10,000; and Abbey with six cases – 4.8 per 10,000.

Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Sandwell Council, said while figures were falling there was no room to ease up on preventative measures.

She added: “The trend is very variable – with case rates rising and falling frequently. At the moment there is a decrease in cases but that is prone to change.

“We need to avoid a sustained increase, which can only be achieved if everyone – including workplaces, shops and pubs, follows the guidance.”