Merton's Residents Warned Of Covid Complacency
Cases remain low, but council warns 7,000 people are particularly vulnerable
Despite coronavirus cases in Merton being relatively low, residents have been warned against complacency.
As of yesterday (Monday, August 24) there have been 1,005 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the borough since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 486 per 100,000 people. This is an increase of 15 cases in a week.
A message put out by Merton Council on Friday (August 21) strongly urges against complacency as “the threat of a second wave remains”.
While businesses have begun to reopen, there are still 7,000 people in Merton who are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
These people were in the category of ‘shielding’ at home since March, but since August 18 they have been able to go out more freely.
A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “While there are reasons to look forward more positively, there remains a risk, and the council is continuing to review and develop its Outbreak Control Plan, which will set out our contingency plans for dealing with any local spike in cases.
“As lockdown is lifted, we would urge everyone to stay alert and make use of the measures in place around the borough to help you socially distance – such as the new cycle lanes and wider pavements which are now in place at various high-footfall locations across the area.”
Since the start of the pandemic more than 200 people in Merton have died after testing positive for Covid-19.
By Tara O'Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
August 25, 2020