Targeted support is being given to parts of Hackney, as the borough sees more cases of coronavirus than anywhere else in London.
Figures show that in the seven days to 28 July Hackney saw 14.2 cases per 100,000 people – a higher rate than any other borough.
This is well below Blackburn with Darwen, which with a figure of 83.9 over the same period is the worst affected area of the country.
But no chances are being taken as extra steps are taken to ensure a local lockdown isn’t needed.
Data published on the Government’s coronavirus.data.gov.uk website gives an even more up-to-date picture, and shows that 36 new cases were reported in Hackney and the City of London between 27 July and 31 July.
The running total of cases now stands at 952 in Hackney and the City, two areas that were joined together by Public Health England for data-collection purposes.
Public Health England told MyLondon it was “working with Hackney Council following an increase in new cases of coronavirus”.
The two areas have a combined population of about 289,000 residents, which is typical of many individual London boroughs.
It comes after the Government announced earlier this week that it was reimposing lockdown restrictions in parts of the north of England, following a rise in infections.
People in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire are now banned from meeting others from different households indoors.
Oldham has been one of the Greater Manchester boroughs causing the most concern for health officials.
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In the week to 17 July Oldham saw 26 cases, compared to City and Hackney’s 36 new cases this week.
Oldham caused alarm the following week – in the days up to 24 July – when 119 cases were recorded.
The hope will be that early intervention in Hackney can avoid a similar rise.
Professor Kevin Fenton, London regional director of Public Health England, said: “We’re working with Hackney Council following an increase in new cases of coronavirus in the borough which are mainly in household clusters.
“Mobile testing units are being deployed to Stamford Hill and Dalston to help local families get a test more easily if they need one and keep Hackney safe.
“Reassuringly our epidemiological analysis shows that the overall levels of coronavirus across the city remain low and, at present, does not suggest the need for further lockdown-like measures anywhere in London including Hackney, and we must view these measures as a last resort.
“We call on all Londoners to keep playing their part and continue to follow government advice on social distancing, self-isolation, wearing face coverings and practising good hand hygiene in order to keep the number of coronavirus cases in London on its way down.”
Anyone who is experiencing a high temperature, a cough or a change to their sense of smell or taste should get a test to see if they currently have the virus. You can do so by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus.
A coronavirus mobile testing unit will be in Stamford Hill on 2, 4 and 6 August. It will be stationed at Yesodey Hatorah Girls School.
A similar unit is also coming to Dalston on 5 and 7 August. It will be stationed at Bentley Road car park.
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