Coronavirus Rates Increase in Wandsworth Again

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Public Health England shows area remains higher than neighbouring boroughs

Rates of coronavirus in South West London have continued to increase in recent days, data from Public Health England shows.

In the week August 3 to August 9 2020, the rate of coronavirus in Wandsworth went up to 9.2 per 100,000 compared to 7.7 the previous week.

In Richmond the rate increased to 5.6 per 100,000 from 4.6 the previous week.

Kingston saw a particularly large jump from 1.7 per 100,000 to 8.0 per 100,000 this week.

As of August 16, there has been a total of 1,285 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wandsworth.

In Kingston there has been 785 confirmed cases, and in Richmond, 594.

Since August 9, there have been 29 confirmed cases in Wandsworth according to the Public Health England dashboard, which records cases by specimen date.

In Richmond there have been 28 cases and in Kingston there have been 19.

On August 14 Richmond Council leader, Gareth Roberts, reassured residents in a video on Twitter that the borough’s rate of infection was still very low for both London and the country as a whole.

He said: “We also have one of the highest testing rates. We have tested over the past seven days 1,166 people per 100,000 per head of population. And we are seeing that we have one of the lowest returns of identified cases. One in every 200 people who have been tested in the last seven days have come back with a positive result.”

Likewise, the London Regional Director for Public Health England, Professor Kevin Fenton has emphasised that 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.”

He reminded Londoners to continue to follow advice on social distancing, face-coverings and washing hands regularly.

“If you experience symptoms, such as 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.”

Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter

August 17, 2020