Oxford edges towards a red alert as coronavirus cases double in a week

People in Oxford are being urged to follow preventative measures after the number of coronavirus cases doubled in the space of a week.

In the 7 days up to 25 September, there were 67 confirmed cases in Oxford, up from 33 in the previous week.

This means that the weekly rate for Oxford currently stands at 43.9 cases per 100,000 population, putting the city on an amber alert status, but edging closer to a red alert level. Cases per 100,000 are now at their highest rate since May.

The increase is predominantly among young people in the 18-24 age bracket. The rise is being seen across the city and is not focused on one particular area.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health said: “While this latest rise in cases mirrors what is happening nationally, Oxford has seen a doubling of cases in the space of a week, which is very concerning.

“We have recently seen many other parts of the country go into lockdown. This is something we all want to avoid. But if cases continue to rise at the rate they have been doing in Oxford, then we may have no choice but to impose tough local restrictions.

“My plea is a simple one – keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a mask, and ensure you are adhering to the rule of six.

“It’s up to all of us to bring the virus under control. The latest figures are a stark warning that we must act now. We need to slow the rate before it’s too late.”

You can find out more about how to keep yourself safe, and the latest number of cases in Oxfordshire, at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/stopthespread.

If you are registered at Summertown Health Centre and would like more information, please contact us on 01865-515552. You can also join the trial online, even if you are not currently registered with our practice. For full details, visit http://www.principletrial.org

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Call the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline if you need help with a mental health problem. This number replaces 111 for mental health advice in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

• For adults and older adults call 01865 904997.
• For children and young people call 01865 904998.

We are aware that many people are finding it very stressful being confined to their homes for so long. If you’re finding it tough and have children at home, you might like to look at these helpful resources.

Covid-19 Information for Parents and Carers

COVID-19 Advice for Parents and Carers

You can get in touch with your children’s head teacher/head of year at school, and the school nursing team might be able to help -find their details here: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/school-health-nurses/

Please get in touch with us if you are worried about your own health or that of your children.

If you’ve had a baby in the last couple of months and would like some support from other mothers, and professionals, please visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/botleybridges/

The NHS and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

Use this service if:

• you think you might have coronavirus
• in the last 14 days you've been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see coronavirus advice for travellers and a list of high risk countries on nhs.uk
• you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.

In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.

In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.

In Northern Ireland call 111.

For region specific information and advice in:

• England visit nhs.uk
• Wales visit phw.nhs.wales
• Scotland visit nhsinform.scot
• Northern Ireland visit HSC
• Ireland visit HSE

Further information and details of how to self-isolate are available on nhs.uk.

 Further updates can be found on the Blood.co.uk site here: https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

Our vision is to provide high quality care to all our patients and to continually strive to improve our service to the community.

Our main surgery is in Summertown with others in Cutteslowe and Wolvercote. Between them they are open for consultations for a total of 140 hours each week including opportunities for early morning, late evening telephone consultations and surgeries and a Saturday morning surgery.

Out of normal opening hours you should call 111 if you require urgent health advice.

Car Parking

Please note, unfortunately we are unable to offer parking to patients in our car park.  This is a staff only car park.  Please use the Ferry Pool car park which is a short walking distance from the surgery.

We are a group practice.  Our team of GPs work together sharing information within the practice to enable you to see any GP.  However, every patient has a named GP responsible for their care (if you do not know who your named GP is, please contact the health centre). We also run regular clinics covering a wide range of services.

Our practice area covers Summertown and North Oxford, including Wolvercote, Cutteslowe, Marston and Kidlington. It goes into the city centre as far as Beaumont Street. We also look after students at the University Colleges of Trinity, St Hugh’s, St Edmund Hall and St Antony’s and The Dragon School, St Edwards School and Summer Fields School.