Concern as Stockport sees a coronavirus spike while Trafford also sees a rise

Coronavirus cases in Stockport have remained relatively low throughout the pandemic, but concerns have been raised as they’re now growing, particularly in young people. 

COVID-19 has spiked in Stockport over the weekend with a number of young adults testing positive.

Through late June and early July, the borough recorded five or fewer cases a day on average. Since last Thursday however, this number has shot up to between five and 15. 

The council’s Chief Executive, Pam Smith has reportedly attributed this to an outbreak in a care home and a significant rise among young adults (18-25). 

According to Andy Burnham’s weekly updates, Stockport’s infection rate has been consistently one of the lowest in Greater Manchester. 

Stockport Council says the infection rate continues to be ‘well below’ many other areas but there has been a ‘noticeable rise’ in the number of cases in the age category 18-25. 

Jennifer Connolly, Stockport Council’s director of public health, said: “We would like to remind all residents, no matter what age they are, of the importance of not meeting up with anyone if there are any confirmed cases within the household.

“If this is the case households should isolate for 14 days if a household member has been tested positive or has symptoms and is awaiting test results. We encourage everyone in Stockport to comply with NHS test and trace advice, including isolating for 14 days if you are advised to do so following contact with someone who has been confirmed as having Covid-19.”

Stockport council leader, Elise Wilson added: “It’s absolutely right we put targeted stuff out. We know, because we have a robust plan and robust systems in place it means we can react to it and keep people informed. It is a good thing, we have this in place and it’s working.”

Similarly, there has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Trafford which is also proportionately higher in younger people.

The number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 has risen in the borough, with half of the new cases being accounted for by 17-23 year olds. 

In the week ending July 17th, the number of new coronavirus cases in Trafford was 26, which rose to 77 in the following week. 39 of these were aged between 15 and 25. 

Public Health bosses have confirmed that the number of young people who are getting tested has increased and could therefore be partly responsible for the increase. 

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.”

Councillor Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities said: “While any increase in cases are a cause for concern I am reassured that people are coming forward to be tested and I would urge anyone showing symptoms to make sure they are tested and if they test positive to self-isolate.

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

Medical Director at NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dr Mark Jarvis, added: “My colleagues and I have witnessed first-hand the effects of this virus and it is absolutely true to say that this pandemic is not over.

“Together, we have done an excellent job in keeping cases very low in Trafford but we cannot allow complacency to creep in and undo what we’ve achieved.

“Please, if you feel unwell and are showing symptoms such as a change of taste and smell, have a new persistent cough or have a fever, book a test as soon as possible.

“You are not just looking after yourself, you are looking after the people around you, whether it’s your friends, family or local community.”

The news comes after Oldham introduced strict new restrictions due to a ‘dramatic’ spike in cases. 

Stockport council has continued to promote the ‘key steps’ people should take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Keep 2m physical distancing 
• Self isolate and get tested if you get symptoms of COVID-19
• Wear a face mask in enclosed spaces
• Keep good hand hygiene
• Isolate if you come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 

A new mobile testing facility has been set up in University Academy 92 in Old Trafford as a response to the trends found in that borough. 

A new social media campaign targeting younger adult has launched this week to help share important public health messages.