Local MP Calls For Stricter Anti-coronavirus Measures
Ealing Borough's infection rate currently highest in London
James Murray MP for Ealing North
October 14, 2020
An Ealing MP is calling for stricter measures to be enforced to stop the spread of coronavirus as the borough’s cases continue to rapidly rise among the highest in London.
Ealing North MP James Murray is warning the government not to “repeat mistakes” over acting too slowly and is urging for an “effective” test and trace system.
The warning comes as London has been placed as a ‘medium’ risk, or ‘Tier 1’ in the government’s new system aimed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The tiers, categorise areas in the country as Tier 1 – medium risk, Tier 2 – high risk, and Tier 3 – very high risk, which determine the level of restrictions placed on the local populations.
Tier 1 means the current restrictions continue to apply with no further measures, while Tier 2 bans the mixing of households, indoors and Tier 3 could shut down hospitality venues such as pubs and bars.
Mr Murray said, “I am very concerned that the number of people being infected in Ealing and across London is going in the wrong direction and I believe firmer measures are needed to halt this rise.
“The government must act quickly and clearly, and must not repeat the mistakes they made earlier in the year of doing too little, too late. It is also the government’s duty to protect people in industries that are still being hit by the outbreak, and to make sure we have an effective system of test and trace.
“People are fed up of ministers making over-the-top promises and then failing to deliver. We need clear, decisive, competent leadership, that protects lives and livelihoods in Ealing and across the country.”
Council leader Julian Bell revealed on Friday, October 9 that in the seven days up to October 4 the borough had recorded 330 new cases – a weekly rate of 96.5 per 100,000 of the population.
He said: “Since the previous week, the rate per 100,000 has doubled, demonstrating sustained community transmission of the virus in the borough.
“This is the fourth highest rate in London after Redbridge, Richmond and Hackney and the City. Similarly, steep increases are being seen in almost all boroughs and it is probably important not to read too much into the position in the league table at any given moment…
“While rates in Ealing and London are rising rapidly, they continue to remain substantially below some of the hotspots in the north of England. Knowsley, Liverpool and Manchester have rates in excess of 500 per 100,000 of population and over 400 in Burnley and Newcastle.”
According to figures calculated by the Press Association based on Public Health England data, Ealing’s weekly rate now stands at 118.8 per 100,000 – the highest in the capital from the seven days up to October 9.
A total 406 cases were recorded during that period.
The borough boss also told residents in his video message that a new walk-in testing centre is being set up at Gurnell Leisure Centre “very shortly”, alongside the mobile testing unit already in place.
He added that the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has warned the capital’s leaders to prepare for further restrictions, such as a ban on households mixing, that are likely to come into force this week.
An Ealing Council spokesperson said the rise in cases is primarily due to spreading in the community rather than specific outbreaks.
They added: “It is the responsibility of us all to abide by the current restrictions and it is vitally important that we observe: Hands – wash our hands regularly for 20 seconds.
“Face – wear a cloth face covering in shops, crowded places, restaurants/pubs when not eating or drinking and in crowded public spaces.
“Space – maintain a 2 metre social distance where possible.
“Rule of 6 – gatherings of more than six people, including children, both indoors and outdoors is now illegal.”
Meanwhile, hospital admissions are rising, but compared to April, numbers remain low at Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals.
The London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) is currently treating 11 patients for coronavirus at Ealing Hospital, and a further 15 in Northwick Park, according to latest Friday figures.
This compares to just five patients being treated in hospital at the end of August.
At the peak of the pandemic, the trust treated 1,398 people in April alone for the deadly illness.
But having previously reported no deaths since July 23, the trust has now reported deaths on August 31, two deaths in September and a further two deaths in October so far.
LNWH’s medical director, Dr Martin Kuper, said: “Covid admissions across the trust remain low but we have precautionary measures in place. This includes extra capacity in critical care, geographically separated planned care pathways from emergency and unplanned care pathways, infection control measures for those entering hospital, and the planned redeployment of staff as and when needed.
“We know much more about Covid now and how to treat it and the public can play a big role by adhering to national guidelines. Our hospitals remain safe and patients with appointments should still attend.”
Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter