Sunderland health chief explains why city is in Tier 3 as she answers questions on Covid

Gerry Taylor, who took on the role of Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning at Sunderland City Council last month, has put together a host of answers to questions being asked about the situation locally.

In her video, she answers queries on the rate of infection across the area, as well as why it, along with the rest of the North East has been placed into Tier 3, the very high risk category, following the easing of the month-long national lockdown on Wednesday, December 2, when it had been in Tier 2, high alert, before it began.

That is despite a reduction in the number of cases in the city, as well as region-wide.

The figures released yesterday and updated daily via the Government’s Coronavirus dashboard site, showed 67 new cases had been reported, with a total of 11,222, compared to 200 recorded on the same date last month.

After thanking people for playing their part in helping the numbers fall, she said: “It is great to see that the number of cases has been reducing in Sunderland of late in line with the national lockdown and the fact we have all been following the national guidance.

"But the rate still remain higher than the average for England.

"This is particularly concerning as we’re heading into winter where, as in every year, we always see pressure on health services.

"With the added pressure of coronavirus this year means we really need to be careful we make sure we continue to follow the guidance we have been for some time and by continuing to work together in this we we will make sure can continue to support our NHS during the winter period.”

She has also reassured those who are clinically vulnerable that support is available to ensure they can get food and medication delivered.

Those who need additional help can visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/coronavirus or call 0800 234 6084 between 8.30am and 5pm seven days a week.

Anyone who wants to check the Government’s guidance can visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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