PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR CONFIRMS INCREASE IN CASES 'AS A RESULT OF REOPENING BUSINESSES IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS'

SIMPLE MESSAGE ACROSS THE DISTRICT: IF YOU HAVE CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS, DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET A TEST

FRESH pleas have been made for Atherstone to avoid "complacency" in the fight against Covid-19 as the numbers of people being tested for the virus is falling, it has emerged. .

Public health bosses have also admitted that the reopening of businesses over the last few weeks has heralded an "increase" in new cases – a rise of two-thirds in the last fortnight across the whole of the UK.

Now a county-wide appeal has been sounded for residents to "take the threat of the virus seriously" as Boris Johnson put the brakes on lockdown easing to prevent the threat of a second wave of infection.

The Prime Minister has reportedly been told by scientific advisers that too much mingling between family groups is the main cause of the alarming increase – prompting the Government to consider preventing separate households meeting under one roof.

Other options mooted yesterday included sacrificing the recently regained freedoms of reopening pubs and restaurants in a "trade-off" to allow all schoolchildren to return to the classroom next month.

Warwickshire public health director Shade Agboola says she currently has no explanation for the drop in testing numbers in the county.

She said: "This could be down to a number of factors, but until more is known, we cannot be complacent.

"So please, let's do the right thing and continue to social distance, especially in public places, wear a face covering, unless you are exempt and wash your hands regularly, especially when you return home from outside – and if you have symptoms, stay at home and get a test.

"They may sound like really small things to do, but together those small actions can make a real difference to reduce the spread of the infection and control the virus."

Talking about the importance of getting tested, Ms Agboola added: "With the reopening of many businesses in the last few weeks, we have seen more and more people out in communities mixing together.

" Unfortunately, as a result of this we are now seeing an increase in cases across the UK, which is a stark reminder that the virus has not gone away."

Her comments come 24 hours after Atherstone MP called on townsfolk to "play their part" in sticking by the rules to avoid a return to full lockdown

He spoke of the impact on the local area to a "still fluid situation" with alterations being made by the Government on an almost daily basis.

The North Warwickshire MP said: "But if we want to prevent another national lockdown and continue to enjoy the freedoms we missed over the past few months, that is the necessary trade-off. "

Ms Agboola added: "We are no way near a local lockdown yet, but neither do we want to be, so please take the threat of the virus seriously and play your part.

"It's not just older people who are impacted by the virus. Our data shows an increase in those in their 30s, 40s and 50s, so no one is immune from the infection.

"Only by working together can we reduce the spread of Covid-19 and help to keep us all safer."

The message from the county council is simple: "For many, the symptoms of coronavirus may be mild and so it may seem like an inconvenience to get a test, but it's essential, regardless of the level of symptoms that you get tested if you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

"If you have any of these symptoms, or you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Covid-19, you must get a test.

"The test is quick and easy, and a crucial tool to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

"We have a number of mobile testing units in Warwickshire and it's really easy to book a test. You can attend a drive through or walk-in service or have one delivered to your door."

There is also a drive-in centre at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.