Covid rates fall, but residents urged to continue to follow the rules

Liverpool’s Public Health bosses are welcoming the news that the city is seeing a drop in Covid-19 cases, but are urging residents not to get complacent.

Figures released today show that the total number of confirmed cases in the city in the last seven days is 2,044 – which is a decrease of 739 on the previous week.  However, the rate remains high at 410.4 per 100,000 population.

Praise is also being given to covid-safe businesses after latest reports show that following 996 unannounced visits by the city council’s licensing team – during the period of 14-24 October – 99% of the businesses were found to be compliant.

The team inspected pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and takeaways across the city and found that the vast majority were abiding by the government guidelines and measures were in place to protect customers and staff.

Five premises were not compliant and were issued with a Fixed Penalty Notices, the majority for breaching the 10pm curfew.

The inspections will continue over the coming weeks.

Public health officials are encouraged by all the figures and are asking people to continue to follow the guidance so that we can keep on seeing the number of cases decline.

Advice is also being reinforced around Halloween activities ahead of the weekend. People from the same household can take spooky walks to go pumpkin spotting around their neighbourhoods, but in line with Tier 3 restrictions, trick or treating unfortunately cannot take place.

If anyone has concerns a venue is not covid safe, they can fill in the online form.

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Paul Brant, said: “These numbers are going in the right direction and it shows that if we all work together for the common good, we do start to see the results we need to see.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts so far – we know it’s not always easy and there can be some confusion around what you can and can’t do, but by sticking to household bubbles, washing your hands frequently and maintaining social distance we will go a long way to helping to stop this virus spreading.

“It’s also reassuring to see that the majority of our businesses are taking this issue seriously and are putting the health of their staff and customers first.

“We still have a long way to go, but if everyone continues to play their part we will get out of this a lot quicker.”

Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton, said “It may seem as though it has been all doom and gloom lately, but these latest figures give us a glimmer of optimism.

“Seeing a decline in the infection rates indicates that we are on the right path. However, it’s important we’re realistic and know that to get on top of this virus will take time and effort.

“We just need to remember to follow the guidelines and if you have symptoms, get tested and self-isolate if you are asked to do so.

“Working together is the only way to control this pandemic.”