Herefordshire’s COVID-19 infection has started to rise again, following a week where the infection rate fell from record highs earlier this month.
In the seven day period ending 18th October, a total of 874 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Herefordshire, giving an infection rate of 451.4 cases per 100,000 population. This is up by 5.2% on the previous seven day period.
The two areas with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Herefordshire are Leominster South (COVID-19 infection rate of 694.4 cases per 100,000 population) and Hereford West (COVID-19 infection rate of 664.2 cases per 100,000 population).
The two areas of Herefordshire with the lowest infection rates are the Bromyard & Bishop’s Frome area (COVID-19 infection rate of 185.8 cases per 100,000 population) and Colwall, Cradley & Wellington Heath (COVID-19 infection rate of 172.4 cases per 100,000 population).
Despite this news, hospitalisations in Herefordshire remain steady, with 23 patients reported to be in hospital (Wye Valley NHS Trust) with COVID-19 on 19th October.
Hospital ward closed due to a small number of patients testing positive for COVID-19
A ward at Hereford County Hospital is temporarily closed due to a small number of inpatients testing positive for COVID-19.
A spokesperson for Wye Valley NHS Trust told Your Herefordshire:
“Arrow Ward at Hereford County Hospital is temporarily closed to visitors due to a small number of inpatient cases of COVID-19.
“These patients are being cared for in isolation and Covid-19 testing for all inpatients on this ward has been carried out. The Trust has also undertaken ward staff and visitor contact tracing.
“Patient safety is paramount and the Trust has stringent infection prevention and control measures in place to help minimise the transmission of this virus within its hospitals. The Trust has tried and tested plans in place and our hospital is set up to care for coronavirus patients.
“All inpatients are tested for Covid-19 on admission to hospital and cared for in isolation if their test is positive. This testing is also undertaken during the hospital stay and when patients need to be transferred to care homes or a community hospital.
“Enhanced cleaning and decontamination regimes are in place across the Trust and staff are required to wear personal protective equipment when caring for patients and follow hand hygiene practices, in line with The UK Health Security Agency guidance, to provide the safest possible care to patients.
“We would like to thank local residents for following the Governments’ advice and guidance. It is important that we continue to do this, in particular staying at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms and getting PCR tested.”
SOURCE: Interactive map of cases | Coronavirus in the UK (data.gov.uk)
