​LOCKDOWN UPDATE

In today’s update I particularly want to continue emphasising that none of us must become complacent in our behaviours towards the virus.  Extending the strict quarantine measures to travellers from France demonstrates the risks we all face unless we respect the infection control measures which have been put in place. 
 
This means wearing masks whenever we go out shopping or are in public places indoors and continue to reflect the government guidelines in terms of meeting groups of people from other households.   
 
The increases in cases across the region are continuing to come from the community and the new weekly COVID-19 rates coming out of Public Health Warwickshire (PHW) show Nuneaton and Bedworth to have the highest cumulative rate in the West Midlands with a total of 907 cases compared to Stratford on Avon at 536. 
 
Testing and Track & Trace 
Testing for Covid-19 has increased over the last few weeks as Warwickshire residents continue to do the right thing by getting themselves tested when they show symptoms.    
  
For many, the symptoms of coronavirus may be mild but it’s essential, regardless of the level of symptoms that you get tested if you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you have any of these symptoms, or you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Covid-19, you must get a test.  
  
The test is quick and easy, and a crucial tool to help stop the spread of coronavirus. We have a number of mobile testing units in Warwickshire and it’s really easy to book a test. You can attend a drive through or walk-in service or have one delivered to your door.  
   
Locally, Public Health Warwickshire is increasing its capacity to strengthen its response to complex cases and outbreaks with the recruitment of local test and trace officers. They are hopeful that this will also help to quickly identify and contact those who may be at risk following a local outbreak. 
  
Importantly WCC is working very closely with community leads, district and borough councils, health and localities teams to manage any local outbreaks, but Public Health Warwickshire emphasises that they can’t control the virus unless people play their part by getting tested. What may be mild symptoms for one person, could prove fatal for another, so by detecting the virus, self-isolating and stopping the spread, you are potentially saving the lives of the ones you love and those in your community. So, let’s do the right thing for Warwickshire and get tested. 
 
COVID-19 Update  
The cumulative cases across the county are now 2643 up from 2622 with confirmed cases in Stratford on Avon District rising to 536 from 532 since the previous week. These cases include data from both Pillar 1 (hospitals and NHS settings) and also Pillar 2 (community). Testing is continuing at Stratford College and the Track and Trace initiative is continuing to work well.  
   
Out of the 424 SWFT Hospital Beds there are currently two inpatient cases of COVID-19 at present and NO patients are in the intensive care unit.  The cumulative deaths across Stratford District remains at 168 with the deaths in care homes remaining at 82 in the district. The cumulative total of all COVID-19 deaths in Warwickshire is now 595 (up four over the week) and over the same period there have been 3292 non COVID-19 related deaths in Warwickshire.  Across the county there has been a total of 211 COVID-19 deaths in care homes settings (no increase in the last two weeks) compared to 1144 ‘all cause deaths’ in care homes over the same period.    
   
The capacity in hospitals remains excellent and there are 45% of beds occupied by Non-COVID-19 patients, 17% beds occupied with suspected COVID-19 patients and a spare capacity of 38%.  Let’s hope that people on the NHS waiting lists for routine procedures don’t have to wait for too long to be seen in view of this capacity. 
 
The messages are clear in that we are definitely in for the long haul and we all must abide by the strict guidelines to put a stop to the virus spreading in our community. 
 
Wishing you all a great weekend! Keep safe, healthy and socially distanced and continue to support our local businesses.  
   
Kind regards 
 Anne  
 Anne Parry
Warwickshire County Councillor for Wellesbourne Division
Ward Member for Wellesbourne East