Bradford has not ruled out lockdown as ‘high’ numbers test positive

Bradford Council have admitted they are seeing “high” numbers of people who are testing positive for coronavirus and have not ruled out a lockdown.

The council are “working hard” to test residents at a testing facility in the town centre, which officials say, this provides a reminder the virus is still out there.

The latest data shows that Bradford has 69.4 cases per 100,000 population, which is the second highest in England behind Leicester, which has 140.2 per 100,000.

Barnsley has 54.7 cases per 100,000, but the council have said restrictions are not needed, despite having the third highest cases in England.

Bradford council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said, “We know that figures from Public Health England show Bradford with a high number of infections along with a number of other northern authorities, although we are some way behind Leicester.

“The number of people testing positive for the virus is still too high and we continue to work hard with all our partners to prevent infection spreading as no one wants a second lockdown.

“As we take more and more steps towards returning to a more normal life, it’s easy to believe that COVID-19 is less of a threat to our health and the health of our family and friends.

“This is simply not the case.

“We urge all residents to continue to follow the guidelines around staying at home as much as possible, social distancing, washing hands frequently and ensuring that they self-isolate and get tested if they, or anyone in their household, develop any symptoms.”

In a joint statement, the town’s director for public health Julia Burrows and council leader Sir Steve Houghton said, “This is why we do not believe at this stage any further measures will need to be implemented such as the ones seen in Leicester.”

They added, “The fact our rate has been high does mean that we ask for extra caution and vigilance by everyone in Barnsley.”

The statement said, “The number of cases is Barnsley is higher than the national average.

“We are seeing transmission in the community across the borough and, like many places across the country, have had clusters and outbreaks in a handful of care homes, schools and workplaces, as we expected would happen.”