A SPIKE in coronavirus cases in Wombwell which resulted in a mobile testing unit setting up to test more shoppers has been reversed, according to health bosses in the town.
Figures, which sharply rose last month, have fallen but due to the amount of tests carried out, residents have been told not to be alarmed if more positive cases are recorded as a result.
According to Barnsley Council, an increased amount of people who have tested positive have had no symptoms, leading to a fresh call for shoppers to maintain social distancing and wear face masks in public.
Julia Burrows, director of public health, said: “The daily and weekly number of coronavirus cases in Barnsley is reducing again and we are not on the national watch list for areas of concern.
“It’s good news that the small spike in cases we saw in Wombwell last week has now fallen.
“Thanks must go to the Wombwell residents who got tested and then isolated - you are helping to keep our communities safe.
“The enhanced testing in the area may mean that we see another rise in cases over the next week or so.”
According to latest figures, Barnsley - up to Wednesday - has recorded a total of 2,137 cases and 251 deaths, but had 19 confirmed positive tests between August 23 and August 29, down by six on the previous week.
“It is really good to know that only a very small number of residents have needed hospitalisation due to coronavirus over recent weeks, and this probably reflects the fact that we are currently seeing most of our cases in younger age groups,” Ms Burrows added.
“However, if the number of positive cases rises significantly again among the population, it will inevitably spill over into more vulnerable groups and could result in hospital admissions again, and sadly more deaths.
“We have already seen nationally that people of all ages, including those with no underlying health conditions, can become seriously ill and conversely many people who have received positive tests have been symptom-free.
“Some people may experience longer-term health problems.
“Their symptoms may alternately improve and worsen over time and can include a variety of difficulties, from fatigue and trouble concentrating, to anxiety, muscle weakness and continuing shortness of breath.
“The actions you take, including reporting symptoms and following all the appropriate guidance, will have an important role in protecting the most vulnerable in society and in shaping the overall trajectory of the epidemic.
“Whatever your opinion on coronavirus, I urge you to follow the guidance and help protect our borough, especially those within our community who will need hospital admission and intensive care support if we see the numbers of cases rise significantly over the next few months as we move into winter.”
