Spike in Braintree coronavirus cases down to 'outbreak in care home'

Braintree in Essex.
Braintree in Essex. Credit: ITV News Anglia

A health expert in Essex believes a spike in coronavirus cases in Braintree is down to an outbreak in a care home.

According to Public Health England, there were 26 positive tests in the town over the course of two days last week.

The town's infection rate has also risen sharply to just over 20 new cases per 100,000 population, putting it among the top 20 worst affected areas in the country.

In the week to 13th July there were 35 positive tests for coronavirus in the Braintree area compared to 6 confirmed cases in the previous seven days.

A total of 29,103 people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus. Credit: PA

In a statement, the county's Director of Public Health, Dr Mike Gogarty, said the vast majority of the cases were in a care home and the outbreak has now been contained.

He added that most of the people tested were showing no symptoms and are feeling well, and said that residents in the town have "nothing to be concerned about".

Dr Gogarty said: "I would like to reassure residents in Braintree and throughout the county, that the increase in Covid-19 positive cases in Braintree is nothing to be concerned about.

"As we move into the next phase of the pandemic, and progress with the Test & Trace programme we will see spikes in cases in particular locations."

The Braintree area of Essex has seen a spike in coronavirus cases in the past week. Credit: Google

"Following identification of a very small number of individuals showing symptoms widespread testing of staff and residents was undertaken in line with current policy. Further cases were confirmed through this testing, the majority of these are showing no symptoms and feeling well.

"We have been made aware of this case and the Essex contract tracing team, alongside colleagues from Public Health England and our newly established Care Home Hub to ensure all contacts of cases are identified and advised accordingly and to ensure optimal infection control measures within the home."

Dr Gogarty said that best way for people in the town to protect themselves is to continue to follow social distancing measures and to wash hands regularly.

The infection rate in Peterborough is also high, with just over 30 new cases per 100,000 population over the last seven days.

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