COVID-19 cases increased in Bradford this week as 305 new positive cases of the virus have been reported in Public health England’s most recent data.
The figures, showing positive rates of infection per 100,000 people in the Bradford district, shows an increase from 41.5 people infected to 56.5 in the week up to August 31. Bradford now has the fifth-highest rate of infection in England.
The rise comes after lockdown restrictions were eased from Wednesday, September 2, in nine of the 30 wards across the Bradford district.
Craven, Ilkley and Worth Valley wards in the Keighley and six wards in the Shipley constituency; Baildon, Bingley, Bingley Rural, Shipley, Wharfedale and Windhill & Wrose, saw local containment measures lifted following a government announcement last week.
But the restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 remained in the other 21 wards in Bradford. The latest PHE figures focussing on Middle Super Output Area (MSOA) show the most affected areas in the district.
Shearbridge & University reported 25 new cases this week, Manningham & Lister Park had 21, Barkerend East, 18 while Central Bradford & Barkerend West and Thornbury recorded 16 new cases.
The rising rates will be a concern in Bradford with restrictions being eased in some areas and with pupil’s returning to schools this week.
Some areas will also be encouraged by the low rates reported across the district in the latest figures, but there is still frustration as a certain place with fewer cases still remain under local lockdown restrictions.
Earlier this week, MP for Bradford South, Judith Cummins, explained how her constituents were angry at local lockdown measures remaining in South Bradford, despite rates remaining low.
Latest figures show that Queensbury had the highest rates in South Bradford with 10 new cases reported while Wyke only had three new cases.
Following the initial decision last week to remove some wards from local lockdown restrictions, Judith Cummins said: “In the meeting, I attended last week, it was made clear that Bradford South had a low to medium infection rate and I argued that we should therefore revert to national restrictions.
“The Government’s decision has ignored my views expressed at the meeting and those of my constituents. I have asked the Secretary of State for the data and criteria used. Any decision such as this must follow the data and science. I am now awaiting his response.”
The Government are scheduled to announce the lifting of local lockdown restrictions later today, Friday, September 4.
For the latest information and advice on coronavirus in Bradford, visit: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/health/health-advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19-advice/
