Concern as Mansfield's coronavirus infection rate more than doubles in one week

Mansfield’s coronavirus infection rate has more than doubled in the past week, according to the latest figures.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The data, published by Public Health England, is based on tests carried out in laboratories and the wider community.

They show that Mansfield’s infection rate is up from 6.4 to to 17.4, with 19 new cases in the seven days leading up to September 4.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the seven days leading up to August 28, only seven cases were reported in the town.

A woman wearing a surgical face mask walks passed closed shops (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)A woman wearing a surgical face mask walks passed closed shops (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
A woman wearing a surgical face mask walks passed closed shops (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people and reflects trends up and down the country where cases are rising.

Health experts are keen to encourage as many ‘younger, working age’ people exhibiting even the mildest of symptoms to get tested, as the average age of those testing positive for coronavirus has dropped dramatically.

A member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies said the latest increase in coronavirus cases is “very worrying”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Professor Andrew Hayward told BBC Radio 4: “Generally it is local outbreaks, but there is also very worrying increases in cases, particularly over the last few days.

“That is what we are really keeping a close eye on – the extent to which it moves away from these local outbreaks to broader community transmission.

“What we saw in the last few days from this surveillance data was this worrying increase in cases which, as we know from the first wave of the pandemic, can potentially get out of hand if we don’t be very serious about the control measures.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.