Aylesbury Vale residents asked to do their bit to stem rise in local COVID cases

The latest figures for the county stand at around 20 cases per 100,000 people, with the numbers rising more quickly in some areas than others. Cases are going up more rapidly in South Buckinghamshire and Wycombe, where both have a current weekly rate of around 25 cases per 100,000 people.

While these numbers are much lower than in some other parts of the UK, public health officials at Buckinghamshire Council are concerned about the rise and are asking everyone to do their bit to stop the virus spreading further.

The best way to halt the spread of the virus is to follow the current national rules at all times:

Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly

Wear a face covering to protect yourself and others, unless you’re exempt

Keep a 2m distance at all times from anyone you don’t live with or who isn’t in a support bubble with you

If you or someone you live with develops coronavirus symptoms, isolate immediately, which means staying at home

Try to book a coronavirus test for anyone in the home who has symptoms

If you meet up with others, follow the ‘rule of six’ and keep a distance at all times from anyone you don’t live with

Work from home if you’re able, in agreement with your employer

Gareth Williams is Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Buckinghamshire Council. He says:

“We are pleased our numbers remain relatively low in Buckinghamshire, but we are concerned about rising cases in some of our local communities. We want to do everything we can to get these numbers back down. We also know neighbouring areas just outside Buckinghamshire are seeing larger numbers of cases so it’s more vital than ever that we’re all on our guard. If we all pull together and stick to the guidelines at all times, this is how we will protect our vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours. So please, stick to the rules and help us get on top of this rise.”

Councillor Arif Hussain is Chair of the High Wycombe Community Board.

He says “We know cases are going up in our local area, and more quickly than in other places. So I appeal to everyone to follow the rules. This is about looking out for one another and making the right choices to protect the people around us who are more vulnerable to the virus. So please do your bit to help stop the virus spreading and play your part in looking after your local community.”

Dr Raj Bajwa is Clinical Chair of the Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

He says: “While cases remain lower in Buckinghamshire than in other parts of the UK, we also know things can change really quickly. It’s vital we all act when we see data that’s a cause for concern to stop things getting any worse. Please continue to do your part and keep up the basics - wash your hands, wear a face covering where needed and keep your distance from others. Above all, isolate and book a test if you develop symptoms. We have a chance to reverse the trend so let’s all do our best to achieve this."