THE LEADER of Bradford Council says it is doing everything it can to prevent a possible second lockdown for the district.

But she has called on the public to play their part in reducing the infection rate.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We have worked tirelessly with our partners to help protect and inform our residents in all communities across the city and district and we will continue to do so as long as Covid-19 remains a threat to us all.

"Many will have seen Bradford in the national news this week and I am sure this may have worried you. The high infection rate worries me and I can assure you that we are doing everything possible to prevent a second lockdown for Bradford district. But I need all our residents to play their part.

“Latest figures from Public Health England are for the week ending 28 June. They still have Bradford second to Leicester. These figures have fallen from the previous week from 69.4 cases per 100,000 to 45.8 cases per 100,000 but this is still dangerously high. We simply cannot be complacent. We know how infectious this virus is.

“Here are just some of the things that we have been doing since the epidemic began to keep our residents safe and ensure they follow all the guidelines:

  • We have engaged with vulnerable communities seeing people at garden gates to get these messages across.
  • Produced advice and guidance for large multi generational households - in a variety of community languages.
  • Widespread use of video and WhatsApp using clinicians and those with lived experience also in community languages.
  • Street level advice and guidance to small retailers and take aways.
  • Marking of public realm in suburban as well city and town centre retail streets.
  • Drafting of guidance with faith communities - with council for Mosques, Gurdwaras, Temples and Churches.
  • Deployed youth workers across District in areas where young people congregate to speak to them about the dangers and staying safe for their own health and their family.
  • Rapid installation of walk in test centre and exploration of testing via community anchors linked to our primary care networks.
  • Repeat testing of social care staff and residents in care settings.
  • Direct work with food manufacturers and shopping centres and businesses in the district to prepare for lockdown easing.
  • Continuous work by our Covid Scientific Advisory Group which includes epidemiologists and clinicians experienced in pandemic situations.

“The hard work doesn’t stop and will continue, we all need to redouble our efforts. We are determined.

“This weekend sees further easing of lockdown measures with pubs, restaurants and bars opening. I urge everyone to be sensible and remain alert to the dangers of coronavirus. Two metre social distancing remains of paramount importance in controlling the spread of the virus as does frequent hand washing.

"We must all continue to act responsibly to protect our health and care services and importantly to keep ourselves and our friends and family safe.”