Monday 9th November 2020
Residents Bulletin
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are providing regular email updates to let you know about the latest information we have on local and national measures to contain the virus, any changes to local services and support that’s available.
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Further information is available from www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Infection rise slows – but second peak may still be to come
There are signs that the rapid acceleration in local Covid infections is starting to level off, but the peak of the second wave may still be to come, Rotherham’s Local Outbreak Engagement Board (LOEB) was told on Friday.
In total there were 1,361 new cases for Rotherham reported in the week 27thOctober to 2nd November, only one more than the 1,360 cases for the previous week.
But at the same time the number of Covid patients in Rotherham Hospital has risen to 121, compared to a high of 78 in the first wave. Tragically here were 22 new Covid-related registered deaths in the borough last week.
The infection rate in Rotherham remains high across the whole borough, with numbers still increasing in the over 65s age group.
Rotherham Council Leader and Chair of the LOEB, Cllr Chris Read said: “Rotherham has had an infection rate of more than 500 cases per 100,000 population, that is among the highest in the country. We very much hope that the early indications we may be turning the corner are accurate, but as we mourn further deaths in the borough this week we absolutely cannot take that for granted.
“I particularly want to pay tribute to the medical staff at the hospital who are dealing with nearly twice as many Covid patients as at any time earlier this year. We owe it to them, and to each other, to continue to take personal responsibility for following the guidance and supressing the virus further.”
Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Trying to reduce contact with other people reduces the chance of the virus spreading. The less the virus spreads, fewer people get sick and fewer people die. The things we need people to be doing is to follow all of the precautions around hands, face, space.”
You can view Dr Jenkins’ video appeal to Rotherham residents here.
Play your part – reduce the risk
There are early signs that the Tier 3 local measures and subsequent national lockdown is starting to slow the speed at which the virus is spreading, but there is still a long way to go.
We can all play our part in helping to reduce the risk of Covid infections spreading in Rotherham and protecting the NHS by carefully sticking to the guidelines, including:
- staying home wherever possible
- keeping two metres apart
- regularly washing hands
- wearing a face covering
- getting tested if we have symptoms
Click here for further information about the national restrictions
Click here to find out more about what the national restrictions mean in Rotherham and where you can get support
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Rotherham Remembers: Moving tribute to local fallen
The Covid pandemic may have prevented annual Remembrance Sunday events from taking place this year but it did not stop local people from remembering our fallen from home.
The Council, Royal British Legion and local armed forces community came together to uphold the civic traditions of the borough by recording a moving virtual service at Rotherham Minster, followed by the Act of Hommage at Clifton Park Cenotaph to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The video was premiered on the Council website on Remembrance Sunday and can still be viewed at www.rotherham.gov.uk/remembrance
View the 2020 Remembrance Sunday events at www.rotherham.gov.uk/remembrance
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