Residents in parts of Oadby and Wigston are being urged to get tested for coronavirus as mobile units are scaled up in the county area with the highest infection rate.
From today (Monday), more than 9,000 households in Oadby and Wigston will receive a leaflet, and a text from their GP, telling them to get tested – whether they have symptoms or not.
Latest data for the borough shows there are 712 cases per 100,000 people. Although significantly lower than Leicester - where there are 1,116 per 100,000 people – it is much higher than the county average, which is 431, and levels are comparable with Rotherham and Bradford, which aren’t in lockdown but have been reported as possibly being next if things don’t change.
The key to getting this under control is in all of our hands. It’s important for all residents to continue to heed national advice but we’re also asking some Oadby and Wigston residents to get a test – whether they have symptoms or not.
“This increased testing in selected parts of Oadby and Wigston is targeted because that’s an area where we’re seeing the highest number of cases in the community – and we’re working closely with the borough council which is playing a key role in helping to get the message out. The advice for everyone else remains the same – if you have symptoms, you must book a test.
Person:Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council director of public health
This could help us get a handle on the real numbers of positive cases in the community. But most importantly it’s the action people take after they’ve tested positive – that’s what will really help suppress the transmission rate. People must follow the advice to stay home for seven days and for their household to isolate for 14 days.
“This will protect communities, save lives and save livelihoods.
Person:Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council
No one in the borough is more frustrated with being in lockdown than me. To get out of this we need to do two things. The first is to get tested. Secondly, stay at home where you can to suppress the transmission of the virus. Together we can get out of lockdown.
Person:John Boyce, leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
Residents who are being urged to get tested – whether they have symptoms or not – will receive a text from their GP and a leaflet (from 13 July) telling them how to do this.
Book a test via the NHS website or call 119.