'Covid alert' issued for Watford after new spike in cases

Watford has seen a rise in cases of the virus, particularly within the last four days, prompting Hertfordshire County Council to issue a warning.

The county council posted an alert on its Facebook page this afternoon, which read: "Case rates are continuing to rise in Watford.

"Please take extra care if you’re visiting indoor hospitality & entertainment, meeting family & friends indoors and enjoying more of the things you’ve missed. Remember ‘hands, face, space & fresh air’. If we all play our part, we can all keep doing the things we love."

The rise in cases comes as official Public Health England figures show there were no (zero) Covid patients being cared for at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust as of Tuesday (May 25).

It is the first time zero patients have been recorded since data began being published on March 20 last year.

Despite the good news at Watford General Hospital, the virus does appear to be on the rise again in the town, as it is in other parts of England.

Government figures show 55 positive cases were recorded in Watford between Monday and Thursday this week, including 22 on Tuesday.

The Indian variant was identified in Watford earlier this month but Hertfordshire's director of public health has suggested the Indian variant is not to blame for the latest spread in Watford.

PHE data shows 18 positive cases of the variant were identified in Watford by May 25, from samples taken in the week to May 21.

This came after the health body identified 11 cases the week before.

Mr McManus told the Observer: "The Indian variant of COVID-19 is not yet the dominant variant anywhere in Hertfordshire. However, the proportion of cases of the Indian variant is growing and it appears that nationally this variant will become dominant within the next few weeks.

"The number of coronavirus cases is rising in Watford, with cases spread right across the borough. The 'coronavirus alert' on social media seeks to inform our residents and encourage them to keep doing the basics over the Bank Holiday weekend."

Mr McManus continued: "We should all continue to wear a face-covering when required, wash our hands regularly and maintain social-distancing and, if meeting people indoors, make sure the venue is well-ventilated.

"Meeting outdoors for now is much lower risk if the weather allows. It is also absolutely critical to get the vaccine when you can or when offered it, take a test twice-a-week, and self-isolate if you are told to.

"To find out more about tests and the options available, people can go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest."

Jim McManus, director of public health at Hertfordshire County Council

What is known is about the cluster of new cases in Watford is that it mainly involves children and young adults, including primary school children.

Cherry Tree Primary School in North Watford is currently closed after the head teacher confirmed a spread of coronavirus cases across different year groups.

However, the exact number of cases recorded in the school remains unknown.

See more: Health chief on why Watford school has closed after Covid outbreak

Reassuringly, public health data shows no Watford residents aged over 65 have tested positive for Covid since May 17.

The case rate map below shows Watford is way off levels recorded in the winter, when Watford General became overwhelmed with Covid patients, but not since late February has the town recorded so many cases in a relatively short period of time.

A government map suggests Covid cases are spread across different areas of Watford, such as in Holywell, where 14 cases were recorded in the seven days to May 23 – more than any other part of Watford.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street press conference on Thursday that up to three-quarters of new coronavirus cases in the country were the Indian variant, though he stressed that the vaccines were having an effect on keeping people out of hospital.

Matt Hancock speaking at a Covid briefing on Thursday. Credit: PA

According to data from NHS England, 86 per cent of Watford’s over 60s are fully vaccinated against coronavirus as of May 23.

While around 74 per of Watford’s total adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Watford Borough Council has been trying to boost the number of vaccinations in the town by offering walk-in appointments to eligible patients at places like the town hall – and hundreds have taken up the offer.

There were 721 doses dished out to Watford residents overall yesterday; the highest daily total since May 14.

Watford Town Hall. Credit: Watford Borough Council/Simon Jacobs

Another series of walk-ins will be available at the town hall from May 31 until June 4 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm each day. Eligible patients include over 40s, patients under 40 in a 'priority' group, and those who received one dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine more than eight weeks ago and have yet to receive a second dose.

But with a large proportion of Watford’s population still either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, senior officials do not want to see a rapid spread in cases.

Peter Taylor, the mayor of Watford, was fully vaccinated earlier this month

Watford’s mayor is urging people to stay outside where possible.

Peter Taylor said: "We are aware of an outbreak at one of our local schools and the environmental health team at Hertfordshire County Council are working closely with Public Health England to trace all cases to stop further community transmission.

"As we approach the bank holiday weekend and half-term I would just like to remind everyone in Watford to please stay safe when out and about. Thankfully the weather seems to be improving which means it will be easier to take part in activities outside, where it is much safer to socialise.

"If you are meeting up with people indoors, remember to wear face coverings, open a window and maintain social distancing where possible."