Neighbouring Dacorum district taken off Covid-19 watchlist

Message is 'keep up the good work' after Hertsmere taken off COVID-19 watchlist
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Neighbouring Dacorum district has been removed from the government’s watchlist as an ‘area of concern’ after three weeks among other regions with higher-than-average coronavirus cases.

Last month, Hertsmere experienced a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and was consequently added to the government’s weekly watchlist, alongside a number of areas across the UK, on September 11.

Government data, released today (October 2), shows that the infection rate in the district of Hertsmere is 27.83 per 100,000 population over a seven-day period – a fall of more than 22.0 per 100,000 population in the three-week period (6-27 September).

Coronavirus stock imageCoronavirus stock image
Coronavirus stock image

The Governments watchlist is based on Public Health England’s weekly surveillance reports monitoring local authority areas with elevated numbers of cases.

It has three categories for local councils – ‘area of concern’, ‘area of enhanced support’ and ‘area of intervention’. An ‘area of concern’ is the lowest level requiring targeted local actions to reduce further infection numbers.

Tim Hutchings, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Prevention at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It is pleasing and encouraging that the situation in Hertsmere has improved, and we thank residents there and across the whole of Hertfordshire for carefully following the government guidelines, particularly on face-coverings, social-distancing, gatherings and if there is a need to self-isolate.

“However, we need everyone to continue to play their part to control the spread of the virus.

"That is the only way we will prevent the need for more stringent interventions which may be required if a rise in local numbers of COVID-19 cases occurs again.

“There are powers of enforcement to make sure people follow the guidance. We want to do everything we can to avoid a local lockdown, and need residents’ help to make sure we do.”

Morris Bright, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and also a county councillor, said: “This is really good news for our residents and businesses, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts to stay safe and contain the virus.

"Hertsmere is one of only two local authority areas in the UK to be taken off the list after just a few weeks.

“However, we cannot be complacent. Only by doing your bit and working together in this way can we keep infections in our borough to a minimum.”

Anyone who thinks that they may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you should call 119 or book a test at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. For the latest advice and guidance on COVID-19, visit Hertfordshire County Council’s website.