‘Peterborough can’t wait until winter to act on coronavirus - the immediate concern is now’

Concerns have been raised across the country about the impact of coronavirus later in the year, but Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough City Council, said: “It is not about waiting for winter. My immediate concern is now, and getting it under control now.

“There is the concern about the impact of normal winter illnesses, which can have the same symptoms as coronavirus, and the pressure it may put on the NHS and the testing system.

“But we need to be looking at now, and getting it under control now.

“We are not at Leicester levels, but we have similar risk factors, and the rise in cases is concerning.

“There are some areas of the city where there are populations who are at a higher risk. We know that in areas of depravation, where there is crowded housing, where there are places of work where it is difficult to socially distance, there is a higher risk.

“We cannot switch off and relax now. We all need to be careful.

“We have been getting the message out in a variety of ways.

“It is vital that people continue to socially distance, keep washing your hands, wear a face covering in shops and on public transport, get a test and isolate at home if you have symptoms.

“If you are contacted by track and trace, and are told to stay at home, you must stay at home for two weeks.”

Dr Robin was also full of praise for all the key workers who have kept Peterborough moving throughout the crisis.

She said: “The workers at our hospitals, at the testing centres, the people producing food, the supermarket workers and so many others, have been fantastic, and has been so important.”

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive, for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said that the latest figures from the trust showed there had been 152 deaths at Peterborough City Hospital related to coronavirus.

Public Health England figures show there have been 1,361 positive tests in Peterborough.

The Gladstone Park Mobile Testing Site will be available between 10am and 3pm each day.

Anyone with symptoms can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19-19 Those unable to access the internet can call 119 to book a test.

Key workers can log on to the self-referral portal www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers. They will be offered a drop-down list of local options for testing including nearby mobile units.

People can also attend the mobile testing unit if they haven’t booked an appointment, although it is advisable to do so to avoid having to wait.

The mobile testing unit has a capacity of 300 tests per day as standard with the possibility to carry the relevant equipment for up to 500 tests.

For more information relating to Peterborough City Council support in relation to coronavirus, visit https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-overview

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