Rise in infections 'not sufficient for lockdown' but cause for concern

Cllr Julian Bell

September 2, 2020

A warning has been issued to residents over rising coronavirus cases in the borough of Ealing.

Ealing council leaders are asking for people to “double their efforts” in stopping the spread of the virus which has continued to rise.

The call made on Friday, 28 August, revealed that over the weekend of 23 August, 71 people had tested positive for the virus meaning the borough rate was 20.8 per 100,000.

Council leader Julian Bell said the deadly disease had “not gone away” as the rate in Ealing he said was above the London rate of 12.7.

“Now that’s not sufficient for a local lockdown yet, but it is concerning that we’ve had this consistent rise for over a month now in new cases,” he said.

The cumulative rate of Ealing cases since February was at 475.4 per 100,000 on August 1, but by September 1, this has risen to 532.5 per 100,000.

Cllr Bell added: “Many of the new cases are among younger adults who have been travelling or enjoying the release from lockdown and that’s perfectly understandable, but we do need everyone to redouble their efforts to follow the rules, in order to protect our loved ones, and friends, especially the more vulnerable.”

Since the warning the weekly rate up to 28 August has been updated to 17.3 per 100,000. Latest Public Health England data shows a further 43 cases were recorded between August 25 and August 31.

Council chiefs have confirmed the highest number of cases are being found within the 20-29-year-old age group, which “mirrors” what is being reported across London more widely.

Cllr Bell added: “The good news is that more people are getting tested and being asked to self-isolate. If you have symptoms it is essential you isolate, book a COVID test and share details of people you have been in contact with so we can slow the spread.”

Professor Paul Plant, London’s deputy regional director for Public Health England, said, “Rates of COVID-19 in young people have been rising over the past two weeks in London and the highest number of positive test results are now among people aged 20-29 across the city. This contrasts with overall rates for London boroughs which remain low compared to other parts of the country but we are concerned about this increase in Londoners in their twenties.

“Lockdown has been a tough time especially for young people and we know many are now enjoying the benefits of being able to go on holiday, eat meals out, go shopping and see family and friends again, but it’s crucial that we do these fun things safely.

“Even if you are in a lower risk age group, please keep London safe for everyone by following government advice on social distancing, self-isolation, wearing face coverings and practising good hand hygiene so we can keep coronavirus at bay and avoid the possibility of local lockdown.”


Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter