Residents of Redcar and Cleveland are being praised for their huge effort as Covid-19 infection rates continue to fall in the borough – but people are being urged to keep sticking to the rules to reduce infections further.
Redcar and Cleveland had 249 positive cases in the past seven days, meaning the current infection rate for the area is 182 cases per 100,000 of population. This infection rate has fallen significantly from the post-Christmas high of 472 cases per 100,000 of population.
There are two testing facilities within the borough which offer Covid-19 lateral flow testing for people who do not have any coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste). These are based at Loftus Youth and Community Centre and Redcar Leisure Centre.
More than 4,700 residents have received a lateral flow test, with just over 50 people testing positive.
Cllr Kay said: “The infection rate in Redcar and Cleveland has come down significantly from the post-Christmas high in the middle of January. There is still some way to go before the rate reaches manageable levels, but I would like to thank everybody for their ongoing efforts and sacrifices to keep themselves and others safe. It really has been a huge effort.
“The roll-out of the vaccine has been a staggering effort and huge credit should go to the NHS and other organisations who have provided support throughout. It gives us hope for the future and I know there is a huge determination to complete the vaccination programme, which will hopefully give us more freedom to eventually meet family and friends and for our businesses to prosper once again.
“We are not there yet, though, and it is really important that everybody sticks to the rules so the rate of infection reduces to manageable levels and we avoid yet another lockdown. Please remember to keep your distance and avoid gatherings, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask when required. Thousands of people have been tested for Covid in the past few weeks. We are continuing to provide a service in Redcar and Loftus for people without symptoms who may unknowingly be passing on the virus to their loved ones. Please get tested to prevent this happening."
Milder weather is forecast for the area this weekend and people are being urged to follow the guidelines and stay local for their daily exercise to avoid gatherings at popular beauty spots.
Cllr Kay added: “The weather forecast has the promise of some warmer temperatures this weekend and I'm sure people will look forward to their daily exercise. After the recent wintry conditions, it will feel good to get better conditions, but it is really important that people follow the guidelines and stay local to avoid gatherings at our beauty spots. We have great places across our borough for people to enjoy the fresh air locally.
“Once again, thanks for all you are doing and have a safe and enjoyable weekend."
To book an asymptomatic test, visit the Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or call 01642 774774. You must not be displaying any Coronavirus symptoms and be 18 years or over.
Anyone who is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate immediately and arrange to get themselves tested by dialling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
If you are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and you are on a low income, unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, you may be entitled to a payment of £500 from your local authority under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme. To apply, please visit: https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Pages/Test-and-Trace-Support-Scheme.aspx