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Oxford city edging towards a red alert as coronavirus cases leap
30/09/2020
Largest increase in cases amongst 18-24 year olds as our closest city faces increased local control measures
Oxford is being warned it faces local control measures being implemented as the city sees a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. The County Council has warned our county town – just twenty-five miles south of us – is edging toward a “red alert” status.
The latest figures for the city show a doubling of cases in the last week. Oxford is currently on amber alert but edging closer to a red alert level.
In Oxford the infection rate currently stands at 43.9 per 100,000 of the population. Oxfordshire as a whole is currently on yellow alert, with cases at 18.1 per 100,000.
In Oxford the majority of increases come in the 18-24 year old age group. The number of cases per 100is now at the highest level since May.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “We have seen a considerable increase in cases in Oxford.
“Whilst this mirrors what is happening nationally, we must remember that cases in Oxford have doubled over the past week and the situation can deteriorate further very quickly. If we don’t all take this very seriously, we risk seeing tough local restrictions imposed that none of us want.
“We have recently seen many other parts of the country go into lockdown. This is something we all want to avoid. But if cases continue to rise at the rate they have been doing, then we may have no choice.
“My plea is a simple one – keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a mask, and ensure you are adhering to the rule of six.
“It’s up to all of us to bring the virus under control. The latest figures are a stark warning that we must act now. We need to slow the rate before it’s too late.”
In the Cherwell District last week new COVID-19 infections were recorded in Islip, Arncott & Chesterton (5), Caversfield, Ambrosden & Fringford (6) and Bodicote, Adderbury & Bloxham (4).
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam