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(News source: published on behalf of Surrey County Council)
Data is showing an increase in COVID-19 case numbers in some areas of Surrey and residents should remain vigilant to slow any spread of the virus.
As part of the Local Outbreak Control Plan for the county, Surrey County Council made a commitment to be open and transparent about its response to COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to communicate any increase in cases, which is out of step with that we would expect to see.
Surrey County Council is confirming today that it is seeing significant rises in people testing positive for Coronavirus in Guildford. This is in addition to similar warnings we have issued to Elmbridge, Woking, Waverley, Runnymede and Spelthorne, where cases are also rising.
Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey County Council's Director of Public Health said: “I am grateful to everyone in Surrey who has listened to our advice and followed public health guidelines to help keep Surrey safe over the past months.
“We are continually monitoring the data across the county, and we now need to ask residents in Guildford to help us stop the spread of the virus.
“Rates of Coronavirus infections are rising fast across the country, and Surrey is no exception. Over the past few days we’ve seen significant rises in positive tests in Guildford. We have issued similar warnings to Elmbridge, Woking, Waverley, Runnymede and Spelthorne, where infection rates are also rising fast.
“We’re at a crucial point and now is the time to do everything you can to limit the spread of the virus.
“I can’t say it enough – keep washing your hands, wear face coverings when required, limit the number of households you are in contact with and don’t get together in groups of more than 6. Social distancing is one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus.
“It has been a really tough year for all of us, and I know people are starting to feel ‘Covid fatigue’. But things are changing quickly and we need to get our infection rates back down.
“If we all follow the guidelines we still have the chance to get the situation in these areas under control and avoid any further restrictions.”
View weekly data for Surrey, broken down by districts and boroughs
If you have Coronavirus symptoms – a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste – then you should book a test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Preventative measures are the best way to avoid local lockdowns.