Melton residents praised as town Covid infections drop

A testing site was set up outside the borough council offices on Thursday and leaflets were delivered to around 20,000 householders in hotspots in the north and west of Melton urging them to get a test if they had symptoms.

Many have responded and data released yesterday (Wednesday) showed there were 23 new cases in the borough in the fortnight up to Saturday compared to 32 in the previous two-week period.

Ten of the new postive tests were recorded in the west of Melton town and eight in the north of the town.

Melton did have one of the highest infection rates in the country, per 100,000 of the population, but the new figures show this has now dropped from 37.2 to 15.7.

Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said she was ‘very pleased’ that the increase in testing had been able to establish that infections were falling in the town although she warned against complacency.

She said: “It shows that Melton is moving in the right direction, but there is still work to be done while COVID-19 remains in our community.

“I urge residents who have symptoms to get tested so we can close in on the virus and defeat it for good.

“We’re not through this yet, but we have all the tools and commitment to defeat the virus in Melton.”

Mrs Kearns visited the new test site, which is likely to remain in place for at least another three weeks, to check on its efficiency and the numbers attending.

She told the Melton Times: “I recognise many residents have concerns about the small increase in cases locally in Melton, but I was most reassured by the number of people going to get tested when I visited the mobile unit on Friday.

“Almost 90 people turned up to be tested in the first two hours and it was great to see such a large turnout.

“I urge residents to continue getting tested if they have symptoms or have been in touch with anyone who might have COVID-19 so we can identify, isolate and eventually defeat the virus.

“Local Authorities are working very hard with the government, which has praised the swift and comprehensive response locally.”

Her words were echoed by Mike Sandys, director of public health at Leicestershire County Council, who said: “There has been a good response in Melton, and we’d like to thank everyone who has been along to the test site at the council offices so far.

“If you’ve had a text message from your GP, or a leaflet from your council, please visit nhs.uk or call 119 to book a test at a local test centre if you are worried that you have symptoms – it’s really important that you book ahead and don’t just turn up.”

“People who can’t get out to a test centre, can order a testing kit to be sent to their home – again on nhs.uk and by calling 119.”

The town’s Latham House Medical Practice was also keen this week to encourage residents to follow Covid-19 safety protocols to keep infections in check.

Dr Fahreen Dhanji, a GP at the Sage Cross Street surgery, commented: “The most effective way we can all keep each other well is to follow the government guidance in order to stay safe.

“Rigorous hand washing, wearing face coverings as advised and maintaining social distancing will certainly continue to make a positive difference.

“We would also urge local residents who are displaying symptoms to please get tested as soon as possible.

“It is this collective community approach that will really help make a difference.”