Nine areas of Herefordshire currently have ‘high’ COVID-19 infection rates, latest data released by Public Health England has revealed.
In the seven day period ending 18th September, the following 9 areas had COVID-19 infection rates higher than 400 cases per 100,000 population:
Hereford South – 63 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 643.9 cases per 100,000 population)
Hereford South West – 64 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 773.4 cases per 100,000 population)
Hereford West – 40 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 553.5 cases per 100,000 population)
Hereford North West – 43 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 458.1 cases per 100,000 population)
Hereford Central – 48 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 473.2 cases per 100,000 population)
Leominster North – 27 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 445.8 cases per 100,000 population)
Leominster South – 33 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 520.8 cases per 100,000 population)
Lugwardine, Withington & Moreton on Lugg – 37 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 465.6 cases per 100,000 population)
Belmont, Madley & Clehonger – 34 new cases (COVID-19 infection rate of 496.3 cases per 100,000 population)
Data for the same time period also shows that the 10-14 age group continues to have the highest infection rates in Herefordshire, with close to 1 in 50 children in this age group testing positive for COVID-19 in the seven days ending 18th September. The good news at present is that infection rates in those aged 50 and above remain relatively low.
Schools in Herefordshire have been bringing in extra measures to try and limit the spread of COVID-19. The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School have asked students and staff to wear masks in communal areas.
Here’s a copy of the letter that was sent to parents:
Dear Parents & Carers,
As you know the number of COVID cases is increasing in the community both locally and nationally.
This is also reflected in the increasing number of COVID positive cases we are seeing in school. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Herefordshire Public Health and following all government guidance.
The safety of all students, staff and their families in our school community is our priority. As an additional precautionary measure, we are requesting that all staff and students wear masks in communal areas such as corridors as they are moving around the school from tomorrow.
To reassure you of the measures we are implementing at school to minimise the risks of transmission, we are continuing with regular hand sanitising and cleaning of all contact surfaces throughout the school on a daily basis. In addition, we are reinstating the cleaning of desks every lesson and assemblies will revert back to being delivered on Microsoft Teams.
