As cases numbers continue to rise across Stoke-on-Trent, communities are being urged by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to continue to abide by public health guidance to avoid local lock-downs.
The plea comes as 12 new cases of coronavirus have been identified in the city. Eight are in the Normacot area with four in other parts of the city.
Normacot was identified as an area of concern last week by the city council following an increase in the number of cases seen in the area. Since then over 600 people from Normacot have been tested at a temporary testing centre in the community and the bet365 Stadium with those confirmed as positive self-isolating for 10 days while their family members also self-isolated for 14 days.
Council leader Abi Brown said: “While cases have up until now predominantly been concentrated on a small area of the community in Normacot, coronavirus does not care who it targets. It affects each and every community regardless of race, class or religion. We need to contain the virus. That is why with 12 new cases recorded in one day across the city, we’re urging everyone to play their part.”
The increase in new cases also correlates with the increase in testing in the city. The latest data from government this evening (Friday) shows that the daily number of coronavirus cases in Stoke-on-Trent has risen by 12 to 1,634. It means that the seven-day total for the city is 72 cases between 12th and 19th of August. In Normacot, the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus since 5th August now stands at 69, with 51 positive cases in the past seven days.
“We expected case numbers to increase - it’s reassuring that they are not raising sharply and that is down to people co-operating and doing what they are asked and need to do. Our thanks go to the people of Normacot for their continued support and responsible behaviour. You can’t look at the national news without another city-wide lock-down coming into force or being discussed. We don’t want to be the next one – the next seven days is a critical time for the city so let’s all play our part, protect our loved ones and avoid lock-down.”
Immediate support and advice is being given to everyone who has tested positive across the city and their families who need to self-isolate for 10 and 14 days respectively. Those who are awaiting test results should not leave home until they have their results.
Stoke-on-Trent Together is still operating for people who are having to isolate and need support. Residents can request support by phoning 01782 234234. We can arrange priority delivery slots with Tesco and Iceland, arrange for food and prescriptions to be delivered if necessary and provide support calls through the isolation as required.
Residents can continue to book coronavirus tests at the regional testing centre at the bet365 Stadium. It is located on Stanley Matthews Way, Trentham Lakes, ST4 4EG. Bookings can be made via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, or ringing 119, where help is available in other languages.
All residents are reminded to continue to:
- Wash your hands regularly with hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
- Stay home as much as possible. If you do go out keep two metres distance from other people.
- Wear a face covering on public transport, in taxis, and in all indoor settings where the public have access, including places of worship.
- Stay home and book a test if you have any symptoms of a high temperature, a new, persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell. Do not come to the testing centre. If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, the city council or Public Health England, stay in for 14 days and limit movement household-to-household.
For more information and advice on coronavirus (Covid-19) please visit Public Health England and the NHS
For more information on digital services, visit www.stoke.gov.uk, download the MyStoke App, or follow the city council’s social media channels.
For all media enquiries please contactthe Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232671.
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