Filwood ward highest coronavirus infection rates in Bristol

New Covid Action Group urging residents to ‘work together to stop the spread of the virus’

Filwood now has the highest coronavirus infection rates in Bristol – and a new Covid Action Group for the area is urging local people to follow the guidelines.

With cases rising across the city, the Filwood ward has had 62 positive cases and an infection rate of 447 per 100,000 – with a sharp increase in 30 to 59-year-olds contracting the virus in the area. 

Bristol’s average infection rate is 306  per 100,000 people, which represents a 57 per cent increase in the city from the previous seven days.

A lot of the cases in the Knowle West area are from multi-households and spread across the whole ward. It is likely numbers will increase next week, due to the lag before going into lockdown. There have not been any outbreaks in local care homes.

Knowle West Alliance (KWA) – a group of local organisations and residents working to build and support positive action in the area – has put out information in the community, in a bid to raise awareness of the situation.

New Covid Action Group

Alliance Co-ordinator Lucy Holburn said KWA had recently set up the local Covid Action Group, working closely with the council and Public Health, to come together when there were “particular areas of concern” about the local Covid status. 

She said: “Yesterday we were contacted with the current data, showing Filwood has the highest number of cases (of Covid) in the city.  We know that this can be alarming, but we wanted to let people know as soon as possible so that we can all work together to stop the spread. 

“We know Knowle West-ers look out for each other, so we’re keen to share the key message of supporting each other to stay home as much as possible. 

“Lockdown 3 is undoubtedly hard for us all in different ways, but our community kindness and care will make a big difference to those around us.  #WeAreKnowleWest.”

Filwood Councillor Chris Jackson said: “Please can everyone follow the guidelines so we can beat this horrible virus…

“I know it’s going to be a very difficult time for many local residents but help is out there if you need it. Please do not be afraid to ask.”

At the start of lockdown Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees also put out a message to the community – urging Bristolians to “pull together.”

Bristol’s Director of Public Health, Christina Gray, said: “We are seeing cases of COVID-19 rise across Bristol, and in all age groups, and really need everyone to pull together now and protect one another.

“Covid is caught from person to person, so please limit your contact with people you don’t live with, and do not visit anyone else’s house unless there is a legal reason to do so, such as for work, caring or support bubbles.

“Please continue to follow the guidance and act as if you have the virus – remembering hands, face, space and to book a test if you do develop symptoms of the virus. I understand lockdown is very difficult for everyone but we must all play our part now so we can come out of it safely.”

Information from the Knowle West Covid Action Group:

To look after ourselves and each other we need collective action to drive these numbers down.  Together we can stop the spread of this disease in our community. The key information to share is: 

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• 1 in 3 people with Covid19 have no symptoms, you could spread it without knowing it, so by following the guidance you are protecting those around you. 
• If you have a positive result you must self-isolate, don’t leave the house at all, for ten days. 
• If someone in your house is positive you must all self-isolate, don’t leave the house for ten days.  You should order food online, or over the phone, ask a friend to drop shopping off – or if you require a volunteer then contact the Knowle West Support Hub via the We Are Bristol Helpline, free phone 0800 694 0184. 
• If you are well, when going out for shopping or exercise, remember your mask, keep your distance from others and wash your hands when you get home. 
• All clinically extremely vulnerable people are once again being asked to shield. They will receive a letter from the government with information on what they should be doing to stay safe. 
• Please tell other people in the area about the seriousness of the current situation and support one another to stay home as much as possible – this could be in practical ways like getting bread and milk for a neighbour while you are doing your weekly shop, or phoning someone who you know lives alone to check on how they are.   Yet again, our neighbourliness and kindness will make all the difference.
  
• For facebook users – please share this post: https://www.facebook.com/KWAlliance/

To view the community information about Filwood visit Knowle West Alliance website.

Knowle West Support Hub via the We Are Bristol Helpline, free phone 0800 694 0184. (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am- 2pm).

For immediate emotional and practical support, you can call the NHS helpline on 0800 0126549.
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/…/br…/247-support-connect/

For Government guidelines during lockdown visit:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home