Wakefield expecting to be 'area of concern' after rise in coronavirus cases

Wakefield is expecting to be identified as an 'area of concern' following an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

The local authority area has been hit by localised outbreaks in factories and concern has grown after the resulting testing showed the majority of those found positive were asymptomatic.

The council said in a statement: 'Further to the release of government data showing an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19, it is expected that the Wakefield district will be identified as an 'area of concern'.

The city's director of public health, Anna Hartley said:

Ms Hartley also added that the council was exploring making community testing available in areas of higher concern for people who do not have symptoms. Residents are being urged to keep taking precautions including hand-washing and wearing masks in enclosed public places.

Outbreaks in the Wakefield district have included a group of cases at a bed factory in Ossett and a food plant in Normanton.

Earlier this week the council confirmed 18 new positive cases at a home for asylum seekers in the city.