Covid cases drop in Walsall

Despite the Government unveiling its ‘living with Covid-19’ strategy on Monday, people in Walsall are still being urged to remain cautious as people are still losing loved ones and hospitals remain impacted.

Statistics show Walsall recorded 803 positive new cases in the seven days up to February 18 – a reduction of 33.8 per cent from the week before.

Despite this encouraging news, there have been around a dozen Covid-related deaths in two weeks, taking the borough’s overall toll to 1,014 as of February 20.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced, from Thursday people will not be legally required to self-isolate if they test positive but are advised to show ‘personal responsibility’ by staying home if they can and avoiding contact with others.

People will also no longer have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate if they are in contact with someone with Covid. Again, public health guidance remains with advice for people to continue to do so.

The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will also end.  It is expected, later this week, the UK Health Security Agency will publish new guidance for people with Covid-19 to stay home and avoid contact with others.

From April 1, the majority of the public will no longer be able to access free Covid-19 tests.

Stephen Gunther, director of public health, said: “The announcement from the government will have been based on available data and insight.

“In Walsall, the rate of Covid-19 is 291 per 100K of the population. Although we are seeing a steady decline there are still around 1000 people testing positive every week.

“Our hospital remains busy, and families are still being impacted by the devastating loss of family members due to the virus.

“I can understand for many, with Covid-19 restrictions lifting, this may seem like a day they have been waiting for and it could be easy for some of us to revert to what life was like before the pandemic.

“However, I would still urge for caution at this time. We must remember that it will take time for us to adapt and learn to live safely with the virus in the borough – it hasn’t gone away.

“Public health advice remains the same, even if the legal aspect will shortly be removed. If you feel unwell test positive with Covid try to stay at home and avoid contact with others to stop other people catching it.

“This remains important for anyone planning a contact with a vulnerable person and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

“Continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, wash your hands regularly and follow good respiratory hygiene by following catch it, bin it, kill it.

“This means using tissues if you cough or sneeze, dispose of the waste in a bin and then wash your hands afterwards. Continue to let fresh air into your homes and workplaces.

“The vaccine still remains our best form of defence against the virus, it is never too late to come forward for the vaccine.

“I hope people continue to consider themselves and others and keep looking after each other by following public health guidance.

“Be mindful of vulnerable people living in our communities and the worry and anxiety they may have about the complete reopening of society.

“A sustained effort will help reduce rates in the borough and help to keep them low. Let us all help everyone to live life a little more safely.”

Councillor Stephen Craddock, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, added: “Vaccinations will of course continue, following the government announcement.

“It remains vitally important for all Walsall residents to be fully vaccinated and boosted if eligible in order to stop the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.

“There is also some recent evidence showing vaccines can be effective against long Covid. This is yet another reason to take up the offer of a vaccine.

“Our walk-in vaccination centres, including the Saddler’s Centre in Walsall Town Centre, remains open, as well as appointments being available for those who have not yet had a first, second or booster dose.

“It’s not too late to come forward for a vaccination, and it’s okay to change your mind to join the vast majority of our residents who have already come forward for a vaccine.

“Whilst legal restrictions may no longer be in place, it is up to us all now to decide to continue to do the right thing by taking precautions and staying safe.”