New Covid Data Shows More Local Detail

Published on: 8 May, 2020
Updated on: 10 May, 2020

by Martin Giles

Guildford Borough has had 343 confirmed cases of Covid-19 to date (May 7).

New data released by Public Health England shows, for the first time, the number of confirmed cases in each lower-tier authority, such as the Borough of Guildford. Until now data was only given for upper-tier authorities, mainly of county size.

But as upper-tier authorities also included London Boroughs and unitary authorities, it meant that the number of infections in, for instance, Kingston-upon-Thames could be seen but not for boroughs such as Guildford, Waverley and Woking.

Also added, is the number of Coronavirus infections per 100,000 of population which allows a comparison of infection rates in different authority areas.

Guildford’s rate of 232 infections per 100,000 people is about average compared with other neighbouring and nearby Surrey boroughs and districts. Rushmoor in Hampshire,  which borders Guildford Borough to the west, has the highest rate locally, while Woking to the north has the lowest.

Confirmed infection rates per 100,000 resident population. Darker shades have higher rates.

Only confirmed cases, following laboratory testing, are shown. It is not known if, or when, cases discovered at the new testing centre at the Onslow Park & Ride will be included. It is generally agreed by experts that there will be many other Covid-19 cases where symptoms have been unnoticed, mild or not required hospital treatment.

The new data release coincides with criticism from scientific experts of redactions made to a report criticising government lockdown proposals.

In a Guardian article Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews is quoted as saying: “Personally, I am more bemused than furious. The greatest asset we have in this crisis is the trust and adherence of the public. You want trust? You need to be open with people. This isn’t open. It is reminiscent of Stalinist Russia. Not a good look.”

See also: Strange Secrecy of Silence Surrounds SCC’s Onslow P&R Covid-19 Testing Centre

More local Covid-19 statistics can be found here.

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