Sunderland's public health bosses respond to sudden surge of Covid cases in Seaburn

Covid cases in Seaburn rocketed in the space of one week with a case rate that towered above most neighbourhoods in the city.

On January 14, the Covid case rate in Seaburn was 357.9 per 100,000 (24 cases) people which suddenly surged to 1,014 per 100,000 (68 cases) seven days later (January 21).

This was much higher than the local authority’s overall case rate which remained much lower at 367.3 – although it was the highest in compared to all other areas in the LA7.

Now public health bosses say they don’t know what caused the rapid change but don’t believe visitors heading to the seafront to be a factor in the surge.

It comes as Sunderland City Council says around 8 in 10 (83%) of positive Covid cases are believed to be the new variant – which is up to 70% more transmissible than the original virus.

Gerry Taylor, executive director of public health and integrated commissioning, said: “Any change in an area with a small number of cases can result in rapid changes and large percentage leaps which is why the City Council doesn’t drill down to this level of detail in the figures it publishes.

“We do however review the surveillance data on a daily basis to look at patterns in the cases and any possible links.

“Links between cases can arise in a variety of ways such as transmission within households, between households, within workplaces or educational settings, on public transport, through car sharing or within health and care facilities.

“There’s no evidence to suggest seafront visitors have pushed up rates in Seaburn.

“Nonetheless, we continue to monitor and review social distancing measures whether that’s at the seafront or elsewhere in the city and make changes where necessary to help lessen transmission risks.”

The most recent figures, which are dated on January 28, show the surge in Seaburn has dropped as quickly as it grew – with a current case rate of 344 per 100,000 people (23 cases).

She added: “The latest data is showing a much lower rate for Seaburn and, although we saw some decrease in cases in Sunderland last week, case rates remain high across the city.”

“That’s why it is so important that everyone stays at home wherever possible, and follows the Hands, Face, Space guidance.

“This means regularly and thoroughly washing their hands, using face coverings indoors and staying at least two metres (6ft) away from people you do not live with.

“We would also suggest that if the place where you go for your daily exercise looks busy, whether that’s the seafront, or your local park or open space, think about a different time when it might be less busy and easier to socially distance.

“We would also encourage everyone who is invited to get their Covid vaccination to take up that offer to protect themselves from this disease.”

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