Pleas to report Covid outbreaks as cases hit dangerous levels in Sandwell
Sandwell’s director of public health is urging people to report outbreaks of coronavirus as infection rates hit dangerous levels.
Dr Lisa McNally made her plea as council bosses warn the borough is seeing more new cases than very high risk areas such as Manchester.
Using social media to get her message out, she said Sandwell was seeing new clusters of infections across the borough.
She said: "We are responding to more outbreaks than ever. Schools, factories and shops are being hit regularly.
“Please report outbreaks early, this helps us get them under control. Infection rates are now at a dangerous level.”
Last week, figures showed 13 out of Sandwell’s 24 wards are now experiencing infections of 300 people per 100,000. West Bromwich, Hately Heath and Charlemont with Grove Vale recorded rates of 400 and more.
The dramatic rise mirrors increases across the country and are accompanied by increasing number of Covid patients in hospital.
Health bosses in the borough are also worried over the growing number of coronavirus cases in those aged 65 who are the most vulnerable to the virus.
Dr McNally’s call comes as the government outlined its plans for a four week national lockdown to Parliament today.
