Most Covid transmissions happening in homes, says Walsall health chief
Most people with coronavirus in Walsall are infected within their own homes, borough health bosses have revealed.
Soaring numbers of positive confirmed cases have this week seen the town placed in the Government’s Alert Level 2 (or Tier 2) ‘high’ risk category.
Walsall’s director of public health Stephen Gunther told a health and wellbeing board meeting that, as of Tuesday, October 13, the borough’s rate is at 126 per 100,000. And he added that most of the transmissions were happening within family homes – while there were also cases of staff being affected in some primary and secondary schools.
The age groups most affected in Walsall are those in the 15-30 bracket and in the late 30s to late 40s, suggesting children and their parents were being impacted.
More Covid-19 coverage:
Mr Gunther said: “We are seeing the ongoing transmission throughout the borough, particularly through households. One of the measures within the local alert levels is reducing that household mixing and I think it’s an important step for us here in Walsall.
“The main age groups are 15-30s and then late 30s into 40s cohorts so that family bubble and setting is really important.
“What does come through is that fear when we see ongoing community transmissions, we do see it creep into the older age group.
Asymptomatic
“We are getting a number of cases within schools both in secondary and primary. The majority of cases do appear to be teaching staff or assistant staff members.
“But we are also picking up asymptomatic children because they’re getting tested as a family. That’s having an impact in terms of bubbles.
“We do a lot of work with our schools and education settings such as the college and the university and working very hard to maintain education – that’s one of our top priorities.
“It’s testament to the teaching staff who are continuing to work very hard to maintain and keep our children in schools.”
“We are making sure we have that clear advice and support and we have written out to all parents and schools about the new rules.
Mr Gunther added there have been small outbreaks among businesses but on the whole, they were doing a good job in terms of Covid safe practice.
He added there were no large outbreaks in faith, community, sporting groups or in the hospitality sector.
Enhanced support continues to be provided for care homes and Mr Gunther said only asymptomatic staff and the odd resident are emerging as positive in routine testing.
Mr Gunther added: “The clear messages of ‘hands, face, space’ are really important and if you are feeling unwell go and self isolate and get tested.
“The other key message is to think twice before you go out to those social settings and exposing yourself and/or your own bubble.”
