Covid: six towns in UK raising alarms of a second wave

Experts alerted about a possible second wave of Covid connected to new outbreaks spreading in six northern towns in UK, after lockdown easing.

The experts warn that there might be a second wave due to the increase in Covid cases in six towns in UK. It is the effect of the lockdown being eased and decreasing its effects. It followed the Government’s decision to implement quarantine for anyone who arriving from high risk countries. This should be done so the virus doesn’t make new outbreaks.

New outbreaks in six towns in UK are causing alert

Recently, six towns in the UK registered higher infection rates with respect to average England. Oldham, Greater Manchester has passed Leicester with the second highest rate of Covid. In the seven days from July 26, this town had 56.4 cases for every 100,000. While Leicester’s has decreased to 56.3.

This forced the government to review its guidance on the lockdown imposed in late June. Blackburn with Darwen, Lancs, shows the highest infection rate in England, at 81.2 cases per 100,000.

Restrictions have been implemented in Rochdale and Stockport, both in Great Manchester, and Wrexham, North Wales, due to new infection numbers. Whilst Wrexham has 30% of all Welsh infections, the Army has been sent in to help Covid-19 testing centres.

Prof James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute in Oxford commented the situation. “With normal winter illnesses such as flu, we could see a return to exponential growth in cases that overwhelms the NHS and requires complete lockdown. We have only a short time to get our systems ready to prevent this”, he said. Also claimed: “The Government intervention that will make the most difference in keeping the lid on this flare-up is the isolation of positive cases. Not enough effort has been put into measures [like] financial support.”

Northern towns’s measures to stop the spreading

So that, people in Blackburn and Darwen have been asked to reduce the number of people from the same household to visit each other. The council advised residents to wear masks in enclosed public spaces. Then in Oldham, authorities ordered to maintain two-metres social distance outside the house. Care homes also do not allow the visitors who are “shielding”.

Thus, non-essential shops in Leicester were requested to close again after reopening it two weeks ago. And governments advised not to travel but essential travel. The council in Rochdale told the residents to wear masks in all public places. Council also advised against any physical contact with people outside the household with no more than two people allowed to visit a private home

Keeping two metres from each other outside home, wearing masks in enclosed spaces, regularly washing hands. Those are the key steps published by Stockport. Also having tests as soon as people suffer symptoms and self isolating if may contact with Covid patients. While in Wrexham, people should follow the advice of Public Health Wales, meetings with people from other households should be outside and working from home is still advised.