Read on Twitter
In the week when several national press articles have claimed Swindon is about to be "plunged into lockdown", here's a thread for @BBCWiltshire on what's really going on locally @SwindonCouncil. Headline: no we're not locking down, but we're not out of the danger zone yet /1
2/ Swindon's case rate is much higher than the national average & the Borough expects to still be on the national watchlist on Fri 21st. The town is still dealing with the ripple effects of the recent spike esp at Iceland depot. But, case rates are falling.
3/ At the peak, Swindon had a Covid case rate of 53 per 100k - other places had gone into lockdown on less, but ours was considered more contained. Since then it has steadily been falling, now around 38 per 100k. England average is 12, rest of Wiltshire around 4.
4/ Because Swindon's case rate has been consistently falling in recent weeks, we are moving away from the risk of lockdown not towards it. But that could so easily change v quickly if a new outbreak occurs, which is why we all have a part to play.
5/ Swindon's public health team are reassured that case rates are falling even though the town is now testing far more people than before - 1200 at new County Ground test centre in last week, 2000 at Wroughton site. Normally the more you test the more you'd find.
6/ The recent Swindon cases have been largely around the most central parts of postcodes SN1 & SN2, fairly evenly split male/female, and spread between ages 18-65. Disproportionately affecting BAME groups & lower incomes. V few younger or older, most mild symptoms.
7/ Thankfully, the recent cases spike has not led to an noticeable increase in people needing hospital treatment for COVID, even though the peak in cases was at the start of August. Unclear why this is so different to the pattern seen in Spring, but demographics surely a factor.
8/ Swindon is not out of the woods yet, cases could easily spike again, but as things stand typing this on 20/08/20 we are not facing local lockdown. Stay safe, observe the guidelines, get tested if you feel unwell. We at @BBCWiltshire will keep you updated as best we can.
