Further public health plea as coronavirus cases continue to rise

October 30, 2020

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Director of Public Health has issued a further plea to the local community as local positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

Although Southend-on-Sea’s overall rate is below the East of England average (103 per 100,000), it has risen from 34.4 cases per 100,000 on 9 October to 92.8 per 100,000 as of Thursday 29 October (see graphic attached).

Cases have also risen quickly in the 60 and over age bracket, from 46.2 cases per 100,000 on Thursday 22 October to 76.9 cases per 100,000 just one week later.

All residents are being reminded of the public health basics and urging those with symptoms to stop the spread by self-isolating and booking a test.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health, says: “In recent weeks we have continued to see a rise in confirmed cases across the country, across Essex and across Southend-on-Sea. Most of these are attributed to people not following the public health advice that has been in place for many months now.

“Although we remain below the regional average and have done all we can to slow this rise in cases locally, we must remember that Coronavirus is still very much with us and we must not become complacent. We must all do our bit to help and follow national guidance.

“We are starting to see a rise in positive cases in the 60 plus age range and this is concerning. If you are 60 plus, and particularly if you are vulnerable, please follow the national guidance which will help stop you catching this disease. For the younger members of our community, please protect your family and don’t expose them to the virus.

“It is extremely important that we all maintain social distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, maintain good hand-washing, wear face coverings and follow the ‘rule of six.’ Please do all of this to try and help our communities to stay safe and keep our rate as low as we possibly.”

Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for adult social care and health, says: “We continue to work hard to keep our case rate as low as possible but it is crucial that you self-isolate if you have symptoms. Please call 119 and get tested as soon as possible, and isolate until you know the result. Do not be put off requesting a test if you have symptoms and please do so as soon as possible. It is important to note that there is support in place for those on low incomes.

“You must also self-isolate if you are told to by the national test and trace system. In this scenario, you must do so for the full period regardless of whether you have symptoms or not, or whether you receive a negative test result or not. This period will be 10 or 14 days depending on the circumstances. Due to the incubation period of this disease which can be up to 14 days, you must self-isolate for the period advised.

“Please follow this and national advice. If people don’t, we will continue to see cases rise, spread and reach people who are more vulnerable in our communities, leading to more severe illness and deaths in our community.”