Rise in Covid-19 cases in High Peak sparks public health chief's plea

If you receive a positive test result, make sure you isolate to avoid spreading the virus. Photo by Pixabay.

In the week from October 10 to 16, there were 199 cases of Covid-19 identified by testing in the area , an increase of 34 from the previous seven days. This was the third highest number of cases and second highest rate among the districts and boroughs of Derbyshire. Most of the cases in the High Peak were female.

Derbyshire’s public health director says that cutting off contact is the key to containing the spread of the deadly bug. Dean Wallace said: “As a new virus which we know relatively little about, self-isolation is our only defence at the current time to prevent it from reaching the vulnerable.

“There is no vaccine and may not be for some time. We need people to do the right thing and stay at home if they or someone in their family tests positive – no matter how mild their symptoms may be.”

He added: “Just because you haven’t got symptoms, doesn’t mean you haven’t got it. If you live with someone who is infected, you could be carrying the virus too and infecting others, even if you feel fine.

“New laws mean people who have tested positive could be fined if they don’t self-isolate."

Fines for those who ignore self-isolation rules start at £1,000, rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

Mr Wallace said: “But a far worse punishment is knowing that you may have been responsible for passing this life-threatening bug to someone you love who may not be able to fight it. It’s just not worth the risk.”

Help is available if you need to self-isolate. The county council’s Community Response Unit can support you to arrange deliveries for food and prescriptions if you have no friends or family to call on, or put you in touch with someone who can have a chat over the phone if you feel lonely. You can request help online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp or call 01629 535091, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Some people on low incomes may also be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if they are required to stay at home and self-isolate. Contact your borough council for more information.