Renewed Surge of Covid-19 After Christmas Mixing

Infection rates rising again in most areas of Chiswick

Major incident declared due to pressure on hospitals

A local GP is attributing a resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the Chiswick area to household mixing over Christmas.

The latest data shows that, having started to fall in some parts of W4, the number of positive tests are rising sharply again.

The GP said, “This is entirely predictable. The lag in the time it takes for the infection becomes apparent means that only now are we seeing the surge caused by families getting together over Christmas. Boris Johnson’s supposed commitment to ‘save Christmas’ meant that many had made firm plans before the new restrictions were imposed. Many were reluctant to cancel and thought it would be okay but reckoned without the new strain of the disease. “

There were 343 more cases in the W4 postcode area in the week to 3 January with the Chiswick South East area worst affected with an infection rate per 100,000 of 870.1. There were 78 cases in this area along an increase of 32.2% on the previous week.

By contrast there were just 39 cases in the Bedford Park area which was down by 7.1% from the previous week.

The rest of the Borough of Hounslow has seen a much higher level of infection with the infection rate per 100,000 reaching 1,138 now well above the London average. The rate for Ealing borough is 984.

For the borough of Hounslow there were 9 deaths from Covid-19 recorded on the 7 January, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic during which over 300 people have died. 37 people have died in the week to 9 January.

The number of deaths in Ealing borough remains below the levels seen in the first wave of the pandemic at the moment with 27 fatalities in the week to 9 January. 367 people have died in the borough since the start of the pandemic.

Local hospitals including Charing Cross and West Middlesex are reporting a significant rise in Covid-19 admissions since the New Year and the Mayor has declared a major incident due to the pressure on ICUs across the capital.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) divide the country into ‘Middle Super Output Areas’ (MSOAs) of roughly equal population size and these are used in the publication of infections at a local level.

Source: ONS

Map showing the areas from the table above

Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England said, “London’s COVID-19 infection rates are the highest we’ve seen anywhere in the country at any point during the pandemic. The new variant of the virus which transmits more rapidly is widespread and dominant across London, so the ask is simple – it is critical we must all stay at home.

“This has never been more important whilst the NHS continues to deliver the vaccine to those who need it most, and London’s hospitals care for hundreds of new seriously unwell COVID-19 patients each day.

“If you need to leave home for an essential reason such as food shopping, attending medical appointments including getting a COVID-19 test or vaccine, act like you’ve got it so you don’t accidentally spread it - wear your mask, wash your hands and keep your distance from others.

“The best thing all Londoners can do is stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Tier four restriction are similar to those imposed during the first national lockdown with people being told to stay at home - although travel for education or work is still permitted.

Social mixing will be restricted to meeting one other person from outside your household in an open public space.

All non-essential retail will have to close, along with hairdressers, nail bars and indoor entertainment venues.

Support bubbles remain unaffected, as do the exemptions for separated parents and their children.

January 10, 2021