'Leaving home is hazardous’ warns Sandwell health boss as Covid deaths climb
Leaving your home in some areas of Sandwell is now ‘hazardous’, a health boss has warned.
Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health, issued her stark message as fatalities and rates of infections for coronavirus continue to climb.
Publishing figures showing deaths in the West Midlands are now running at almost 80 a week, she said: “The graph showing Covid-19 related deaths in the West Midlands is a reminder that this virus can and does kill – and it’s no exaggeration to say that going out in some areas is frankly hazardous right now.
“If you have symptoms, stay at home, book a test and self-isolate. This can save lives.”
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The latest figures for Sandwell show Great Bridge and Hateley Heath are the two worst affected areas in the borough.
In the seven days up to November 3, new cases in Great Bridge increased by 81 and infections were above 597 per 100,000 people. Hateley Heath recorded 71 positive tests with an infection rate of 464.
In all, Sandwell recorded 1,175 new cases in 24 wards.
Over 2,200 people are now in West Midlands hospitals with Covid-19 matching levels last seen in April during the first wave of coronavirus.
Warning more families could be devastated by the loss of a loved one, deputy council leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “The number of people in hospital continues to rise rapidly.
“Please, follow all the advice and government restrictions to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe.
“We are particularly concerned about high infection rates among people aged 65 plus, who are most at risk of severe illness.
“Stay at home if you possibly can and, if you must go out, stay two metres away from other people, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, on public transport and wherever you are required to.”
