MAYOR DAN JARVIS STATEMENT ON RISING COVID HOSPITALISATIONS

Published 30 October 2020 at 9:23am

In response to the rising number of COVID patients and COVID-related deaths in South Yorkshire hospitals, Mayor Dan Jarvis said:

“Over recent weeks there has been a steady rise in the number of patients admitted to hospitals across South Yorkshire who have tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 700 people in hospital with the virus, approaching double the peak of 414 during the first wave of the pandemic in the spring.

“This, combined with the significant numbers of staff who are isolating or unwell, mean the pressure on our NHS is steadily growing.

“NHS staff are working incredibly hard and making great sacrifices to keep us safe, as they have been for eight long months. There has been a lot of planning for a second wave, our hospitals are currently coping, and it’s hoped that the experience gained since March will help keep the death rate lower. Staff are also working incredibly hard across all parts of the NHS to provide as much non Covid-19 care as possible, where it is safe to do so.

“But the situation remains precarious, and if Covid cases continue to rise and hospitalisations increase, we risk our hospitals and the people who work in them being overwhelmed. The simple fact is that if we are going to protect our NHS this winter, we all have to do our bit.

“The restrictions in place in South Yorkshire are the first and most important line of defence we have against the virus. We all wish this pandemic was over, but now more than ever, the NHS needs the communities they serve to play their part.

“Every COVID case we prevent reduces the pressure on the NHS – and increases its capacity to continue routine activity. And that will save lives.

“Following the rules makes a huge difference and we all have a responsibility to do the right thing. The number of patients in hospital with COVID is a key metric that will help determine when restrictions are relaxed. Like everyone else, I do not want to spend a minute longer than is necessary in Tier 3 – but that depends on us sticking together and working together.”

Notes to editors 

The number of patients in hospital with COVID includes both patients who have been admitted as a result of COVID-related symptoms, and patients admitted for other reasons who have tested positive for the virus on admission but who may or may not have significant symptoms. Whether or not they have significant symptoms, patients with COVID require segregated care and add to the pressure on NHS resources.