Plea to public after 300 new Covid cases in Durham in a week

• Covid-19: Further testing urged after outbreak of Delta variant at Durham University

Durham County Council, Durham University and Public Health England yesterday issued a joint plea to people in and around the city to play their part in slowing the spread of the virus.
They said, while numbers of cases and infection rates in Durham remain broadly in line with regional and national averages, they are taking the situation seriously and acting now to try and reduce further spread.
Extra mobile testing units opened at Howlands and the overflow car park next to the former DLI Museum to increase access to PCR testing for those with symptoms. They are open seven days a week and require advanced booking. 
Lateral flow device tests are available at council venues and pharmacies across County Durham. 
Details of both are at durham.gov.uk/Covid19testandtrace
Everyone is urged to self-isolate and book a test if they have symptoms and take twice weekly LFD tests even if they don’t.

Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health for County Durham, said: “We have seen a significant rise in cases in Durham City and along with Durham University and Public Health England we are taking the situation extremely seriously.
“We are taking steps such as increasing access to testing to try and reduce transmission but we are also asking everyone in the city to play their part by following some of the simple steps such as following Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air guidance; socialising outdoors where possible; taking up both doses of the vaccination and getting tested twice a week.
“The vast majority of these cases may be in young people but that does not mean other age groups do not need to be vigilant. 
“Given the Delta variant is more transmissible, it is easier for it to spread to older age groups which may be more vulnerable and this is why it is so important that everyone does their bit.
“With every transmission of the virus there is a risk of new and more serious variants emerging that may have different characteristics and may respond differently to vaccines; which makes it even more vital that we all work together to limit the spread.
“Equally we know that some young people might think ‘I don’t need to worry about Covid as it won’t make me seriously ill’. Our message to them would be: ‘There is a very real risk, if you don’t follow the guidance, of transmitting the virus to your friends and others whom Covid could make seriously ill.’
“The more we all work together to reduce further transmission the sooner we can all hopefully return to life free of restrictions.”
The university is asking all students to undertake weekly PCR testing and the council has asked schools and businesses to make parents and customers aware of the need to be vigilant. 
In order to support businesses in the city in being ‘covid-secure,’ the council’s coronavirus compliance team has been visiting licensed premises to offer advice. A local authority spokesperson said businesses have been found to be going to great lengths to ensure covid-secure premises.
The council, university and PHE are asking people in Durham City to follow the Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air guidance.
People are asked to socialise outdoors wherever possible and exercising particular caution when mixing indoors, use the NHS Covid-19 app to check in to venues and have both doses of the coronavirus vaccination where eligible.

Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) at Durham 
University, said: "Our first priority is the health and safety of our students, staff and the 
wider community. We are working closely with Durham County Council and Public Health England to track and manage a rising number of confirmed Covid-19 cases within our student community. Those who are affected are following NHS advice and self-isolating and are receiving our full support.”