Swindon moves onto Government's list of 'areas of concern' about Covid-19 cases
Swindon has become the first part of the South West to be included in the Government's list of 'areas of concern' about Coronavirus infections.
The town became the first place in the West Country to see a significant spike in cases last week.
Public Health Officials in the town are confident the spike is under control and contained at a food distribution centre - XPO Logistics - and is not being transferred in the wider community.
This week cases have been lower than last week, which is why officials are confident that the outbreak is under control and that there is no need for any sort of local lockdown.
Swindon’s Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern says:
Data from the NHS released on Thursday (6 August) revealed the Wiltshire town saw the biggest increase in cases per 100,000 people - jumping from 24.3 last week to 44.1 as of yesterday.
The town also saw the largest rise in new cases in England in the week ending Friday 31 July. In that week, 33 people tested positive for the virus in one day.
The rise in cases follows an outbreak at XPO logistics and, according to Swindon Borough Council, that has driven the numbers so high.
More than 50 people from the warehouse tested positive for the virus. Two people were admitted to hospital but have since been discharged.
Earlier this week Swindon's cabinet member for adults and health, Brian Ford, told PA the mobile testing teams on site were picking up on asymptomatic cases.
He explained this was a factor in the town's accelerating Covid-19 numbers.
Speaking to ITV West Country on Wednesday (5 August) before the update he said:
Despite the fact Swindon has now moved up on the Government's list highlighting 'areas of concern', health officials are adamant the situation is under control.
According to Mr Maddern, the numbers of people testing positive in the town is now declining.