Steep Rise in Guildford Covid Cases But Deaths and Admissions Remain Low

Published on: 6 Oct, 2020
Updated on: 6 Oct, 2020

Based on Public Health England statistics.

More than 80 new cases of Covid-19 were identified in the borough of Guildford over the last week – a major increase compared with the previous week when 27 cases were confirmed and the week before when the total was 12.

Surrey County Council, responsible for public health, is urging residents to remain vigilant in order to slow any spread of the virus.

There is a steep rise in cases across the county too, up by 602 new cases, double the figure for the previous week.

However, nationally the South East still has far fewer new infections than the ‘hot spots’ in the north of England and the level of Covid-19-related deaths remains very low, although there will be a lag time of several weeks before the higher level of cases might result in deaths.

Additionally, Covid-19 hospital admissions remain low. In the South East region (population 9.2 million) there were 102 admissions in the seven days to September 3. Only the South West region has a lower total 59 while the highest total was in the North West 746.

A Surrey County Council spokesperson said yesterday (October 5): “As part of the Local Outbreak Control Plan for Surrey we made a commitment to be open and transparent about our response to Covid-19. Therefore, it is important to communicate any increase in cases, which is out of step with that we would expect to see.

“We are confirming today that we are seeing significant rises in people testing positive for Coronavirus in Woking and Waverley.

The Director of Public Health for Surrey, Ruth Hutchinson, said: “Surrey residents have worked alongside us over the past few months to bring levels of Coronavirus down, and the overwhelming majority have listened to our advice and followed public health guidelines to help keep Surrey safe.

“We are continually monitoring the data across the county, and we now need to ask residents in Woking and Waverley (Godalming, Farnham, Haslemere, Cranleigh and all the surrounding areas) to help us stop the spread of the virus.

“We are at a crucial point for Surrey and the rest of the country and we need to keep infection rates under control.

“There are no shortcuts when it comes to protecting ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS. Keep washing your hands, wear face coverings when required, limit the number of households you are in contact with and don’t get together in groups of more than six.

“If you have become a bit more relaxed about social distancing over the summer then now is the time to make sure you are keeping your distance from people you don’t live with. It is one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus.

“The situation can change quickly, so we must act now. If we all follow the guidelines we still have the chance to get the situation in these areas under control and avoid any further restrictions.”

If you have Coronavirus symptoms – a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste – then you should book a test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.co.uk/coronavirus. Slots are made available the evening before for morning appointments, and in the morning for afternoon appointments.

See also: Local Covid-19 Statistics

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