Spike in Covid cases around New Mills prompts Derbyshire public health chief to reassure residents

Derbyshire health authorities say there is no cause for alarm after an area of High Peak saw cases of coronavirus jump 600 per cent last week.
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The statistical area known as New Mills East & Hayfield saw 14 cases in the seven days ending April 20, an increase of 12 on the previous reporting period.

At a rate of 192.7 per 100,000 population, it is a significant outlier from the rest of western Derbyshire and far above the national rate of around 24.7.

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Dean Wallace, Derbyshire’s director of public health, said: “As with any increase in cases, we are closely monitoring the situation. We would always expect to see some fluctuation in numbers at local levels once a case has been confirmed due to the nature of the virus.

The New Mills East & Hayfield Middle layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) is coloured blue.The New Mills East & Hayfield Middle layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) is coloured blue.
The New Mills East & Hayfield Middle layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) is coloured blue.

“As the rates across Derbyshire are relatively low, a small increase in numbers in a local area can have a large impact on the rate change.”

He added: “I’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to quickly follow positive cases up to ensure it does not become sustained community transmission.

“Everyone who tests positive, and their close contacts, will have been advised about the importance of self-isolating and how to claim the £500 one-off payment if they are on a low income or support from our community response hub.”

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While the easing of lockdown restrictions might suggest a return to something like normal life, public health bodies are urging people to continue with basic precautions.

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Mr Wallace said: “Covid hasn’t gone away and it is still important to keep following the guidance to stay apart, wash hands regularly and wear a face covering unless exempt. And while it’s great to meet friends and family again, please remember this should only be outdoors with up to six people or two households.

“As one in three people can have the virus without any symptoms it’s really important that people continue to get tested. Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate immediately and book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by ringing NHS 119.”

He added: “If we all continue to do the right thing we can all get back to doing the things we love sooner.”

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Anyone can order a rapid testing kit via www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

Alternatively they can be collected from sites listed at https://derbyshire.maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/findatestcenter.html

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