Increase In Local Coronavirus Rates


Public Health England shows Wandsworth cases higher than neighbouring Richmond


Surveillance reports for the week July 27 to August 2 showed that in Wandsworth cases jumped from 4.3 per 100,000 to 7.7 per 100,000.

In Richmond cases also increased from 3.6 per 100,000 the week before, to 4.6 per 100,000. In Kingston, however, cases dropped from 3.4 to 1.7 per 100,000.

Over the past month coronavirus rates have fluctuated in the boroughs, but there appears to have been a slight increase in cases in Richmond and Wandsworth as lockdown measures have eased.

Between July 6 and July 12, Wandsworth had a rate of 3.7 cases per 100,000, while Richmond was at just 0.5 per 100,000.

Kingston was on 1.7 cases per 100,000.

Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England said the number of new coronavirus cases “is under close, active surveillance across London”, and PHE is “working closely with all local authorities to prepare for and manage any potential local clusters and outbreaks.”

He added: “Reassuringly, our epidemiological analysis shows that the overall levels of coronavirus across the city remain low, and at present, does not suggest the need for further lockdown-like measures anywhere in London and we must view these measures as a last resort.

“We call on Londoners to keep playing their part and continue to follow government advice on social distancing, self-isolation, wearing face coverings and practising good hand hygiene in order to keep coronavirus at bay in our city.

“If you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change to your sense of smell or taste, stay at home and arrange a test immediately by calling 119 or go to the NHS website. There are plenty of testing slots available across London every day and getting tested helps keep your local community, your borough and London as a city, a safe and healthy place to live.”

Richmond residents experiencing coronavirus symptoms are now also able to attend a temporary pop-up testing centre in Old Deer Park on selected dates this August, alongside the drive-in testing centre at Twickenham Stadium.

Residents must book an appointment online if they experience, a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.

Those tested will receive their results 48 hours later.

Pop up testing is available to Old Deer Park to those with an appointment on:

Monday August 10
Thursday August 13
Sunday August 16
Wednesday August 19
Saturday August 22
Tuesday August 25
Friday August 28
Monday August 31


Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter

August 8, 2020