Covid Infection Spike in Hounslow Being Watched Carefully
New cases up by more than London average with most in Heston area
Steve Curran Kelly O’Neill and giving video message at the beginning of the pandemic
Hounslow public health officials are working to stop the spread of coronavirus in the borough after an “infection spread” of 37 new cases have been tracked in the recent days.
The council’s public health director Kelly O’Neill said Heston East has been identified as the area where the most cases have been confirmed, and that the authority is working with the community to stop the virus spreading.
Data tracking of Public Health England figures by the Local Government Association, found that Hounslow’s cumulative cases appeared to hike from July 30, at 411 cases per 100,000 of the population, to 429.1 per 100,000 by August 8. This is an increase of 18.1.
This compares to the median of all London boroughs of 385.6 per 100,000 from July 30, to 394.3 per 100,000 by August 8 – an increase of 8.7.
In the last month from July 8 to August 10, the borough has had 105 new cases of coronavirus.
Ms O’Neill said: “We are currently seeing an increase in the number of positive cases of coronavirus in the London Borough of Hounslow. Until last week reports of cases were low and steady, but over the past several days there has been 37 cases identified which demonstrates infection spread.
“We are monitoring Heston East in particular where there has been the most new cases. Public health officials consider this increase is likely due to wider family and friends meeting and not maintaining social distancing.
“This small increase should not cause residents to worry but it does demonstrate there is no room for complacency. We must all be responsible and vigilant at all times and adhere to government guidance to ensure the situation doesn’t escalate.”
The public health boss said work with the Heston community includes sharing government messages such as through household leaflets translated into a number of languages, displaying banners and posters across Heston and sharing messages through community groups.
She added that cases are also rising in other parts of the borough, and that the council is working with Public Health England to understand the situation and monitor figures.
Ms O’Neill said: “While our current focus is Heston, there are increasing numbers of cases in other parts of our borough. We are urging all of Hounslow’s residents to keep a two-metre distance, where possible, from people who you do not live with, wash your hands regularly and use a face covering in shops, on public transport and in busy places.
“Remember, you can spread coronavirus without having symptoms – don’t be the one who makes your vulnerable friends or relatives sick.”
The borough is calling on support from groups and individuals to urge others that following government guidance is crucial. Residents are also being encouraged to become ‘community champions’ to share messages that will resonate in their communities.
She added: “Our priority remains protecting our most vulnerable residents and we will consider all options to halt the spread, including a local lockdown if this is needed. This is something we want to avoid at all costs, but we can only do this with the help of residents and businesses abiding by the guidance.”
Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter
August 11, 2020