High Peak residents urged to stay alert following coronavirus spike

“If you’ve got symptoms, act like you’ve got it and stay at home.” That’s the message from Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health for people in the High Peak following another sharp increase in coronavirus cases.

The number of cases is rising throughout many parts of Derbyshire, including the High Peak which had 65 cases between 1st September and 14th September – up from from 23 during the previous 2 week period.

Dean Wallace, who is leading Derbyshire’s response to the epidemic, urged local people to help stop the spread by following Government advice and restrictions to avoid even tighter restrictions being imposed, similar to the extra ‘lockdown’ measures seen recently in areas such as Greater Manchester.

He said:

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a rise in the High Peak which isn’t surprising given the close proximity to the areas affected by the extra restrictions, but we can’t afford to be complacent in Derbyshire. It’s vital that everyone plays their part in helping to beat this virus which is still spreading.



“The message is simple. Keep washing your hands, cover your face in enclosed areas, keep a safe distance from others and keep social gatherings to no more than six people – including children — both indoors and outdoors.”

“We’re closely monitoring the situation and will take action if needed in the future. But if we all stay alert and take sensible precautions we can prevent the spread of this very contagious virus and all get back to what we love to do more quickly.”

“We know that the testing system nationally has been struggling to keep pace with demand, but we are working with the Government to get extra testing capacity into the High Peak.”

Here are the most important things we should all continue to do to avoid contracting the virus and passing it on:

• Wash your hands regularly

• Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces

• Keep your distance from people not in your household or support bubble

• Keep social gatherings to a maximum of six people – including children – indoors and outdoors.

Mr.Wallace added:

“Nationally there have been some problems with people obtaining tests but that’s no excuse for not staying at home if you’ve got symptoms. Do the right thing – stay at home, book a test and help protect the people you love.

“But please don’t book a test unless you have symptoms — you could be taking a test away from someone who really needs one”.

Anyone with symptoms can book an appointment for a free test or request a free home testing kit online or by calling NHS 119.

If people start to feel unwell they should remain at home for at least 10 days but should arrange to have a test within five days of developing symptoms.

People who test positive will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace team by email, text or phone.

They will be asked where they have been and who they’ve been in contact with. Tracers will then be in touch with close contacts to ask them to self-isolate for 14 days.

If people are contacted by the Test and Trace programme, it is important that they give all the correct information to keep their friends and family safe.

For the latest coronavirus figures in Derbyshire go derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus

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