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Local GPs send alerts to patients in Trafford following a spike in coronavirus cases

New cases of coronavirus jumped in Trafford last week, but health officials have insisted numbers remain "very low".

The Manc - 29th July 2020

Residents in Trafford have reported receiving message alerts from their GPs and doctors surgeries today following a spike in coronavirus cases in the borough.

New cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed to have jumped in the Greater Manchester borough of Trafford last week, but health officials have insisted that the numbers remain “very low” overall.

A total of 77 new cases were recorded overall for the week between 18th – 25th July.

57% of those were people aged 25 or below.

Trafford Council has described this spike in cases “striking”, but is putting it down to the number of people between the ages of 17-23 choosing to get tested and have praised young people for doing so.

Now, people across the borough have started receiving message alerts from their GPs or doctors surgeries warning them to take extra care.

The message alert – received by residents either via text, email or other – states that “numbers are low”, but cases are in fact rising “especially amongst 17-23 year olds” and they should “take extra care if seeing family and friends”.

It reads in full: “While numbers are low, COVID-19 cases are rising especially amongst 17-23 year-olds in Trafford.”

“If you, or members of your family go to public places, please do the right things to protect yourself and those around you; keep social distance, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering where possible, and if you have symptoms, book a test here.”

“If you are in a higher risk group, please take extra care if seeing family and friends.”

In a statement released yesterday, Eleanor Roaf – Director of Public Health at Trafford Council – said: “We have seen a rise in young people coming forward to be tested and this has led to an increase in positive cases.”

“We don’t know exactly why this is but we are thanking younger people for acting responsibly in coming forward for tests when they feel ill. We think that the young people have been contacting each other and raising awareness of the importance of testing.”

“If this is the case, we would like to thank them for their efforts, as this will help us stop further spread of the disease.”

“I would urge everyone to continue to stick to the rules around social distancing and hand-washing when they are meeting up with friends or going out to pubs and restaurants.”

Cllr Jane Slater – Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities – added that while any increase in cases was a “cause for concern”, she was “reassured” that people were coming forward to be tested.

She said: “No one should be complacent as the virus has not gone away and still poses a risk especially to the vulnerable in our society”.

For more information, visit the Trafford Council website here.

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For further information and guidance amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do refer to official sources via gov.uk/coronavirus.

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