1,600 in ‘worst hit’ Wolverhampton area test negative for Covid-19
A Wolverhampton neighbourhood highlighted as being one of the ‘worst hit’ by Covid-19 in the whole of the city, has tested more than 1,600 of its residents negative for the virus.
Ashmore Park, in Wednesfield, began testing people at the Hub, Griffiths Drive on January 21.
Figures recorded between the start date and February 9 reveal that a total of 1,663 residents on the estate have now undertaken a test – with just 54 individuals proving positive.
The latest official figures for Wolverhampton show there were 302.4 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people over the seven days to February 6.
That means 795 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven-day period, though the true number of new cases is likely to be considerably higher.
Councillor Phil Bateman said: “Both Wednesfield and Ashmore Park have consistently been amongst the worst hit areas in the West Midlands for cases of Covid-19, with both causing Public Health considerable worry.
“This is very encouraging news. Let’s celebrate the fact that 1,600 of our local people who have turned out to be tested have left the centre relieved to be found negative for the virus.
“The 54 individuals who tested positive have been now been told to isolate, and were asked to do so because of the need to cut the passing of infection.
Encourage
“Clearly the testing is working, because the growth rate in infections in our local community appears to be reducing.
“But now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. We need even more people in our community to come out and be tested – ideally every seven days or so,” he added.
“I would appeal to local shops, retail, industrial and educational units to encourage all their staff to pop along to the Hub and get tested.
“We need to keep driving those Covid-19 figures downwards. Please do your bit for the community if you can.”
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic last March, the council has distributed more than four million items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline staff.
These include face masks, gloves, eyewear, aprons, gowns and gallons of hand sanitiser, which have been given to local care providers, health workers and funeral directors.
Council social care workers, bin crews, rapid testing teams and leisure, education, transport and housing staff have also been fully equipped to enable them to continue delivering essential services.
Up-to-date information about the Covid-19 vaccine is now available on the council’s website, addressing and dispelling some common myths and providing answers to frequently asked questions about vaccine safety.
The information pages can be found at wolverhampton.gov.uk/vaccine and include key facts about the vaccine and what people need to know about getting their jab when they become eligible for it.
There is also a range of information from health experts, community and faith leaders, British Sign Language videos and downloads in 15 different languages.
