Local hospitals under strain as Covid cases rise steeply over Christmas
NEW cases of coronavirus have continued to increase rapidly in our area in the first week since the tier 4 lockdown was introduced.
In the seven days from Sunday 20 December up to and including Boxing Day there were 697 new cases in the Wycombe area, which includes Tylers Green and Hazlemere. There were 289 new cases in the Chiltern area, which includes Penn, and 390 new cases in the South Bucks area (Beaconsfield). This is a steeper increase than previous weeks.
The death rate is also increasing in the three areas. Eleven people who had tested positive for Covid in the previous 28 days died last week.
Figures for our immediate area of Penn, Tylers Green and Hazlemere will be available tomorrow. In Buckinghamshire as a whole the daily number of cases last week far exceeded those in the Spring lockdown. By last night there had been 13,594 cases reported in the county. At present 480 people per 100,000 of the population are infected
With pressure increasing on the county’s hospitals, the Buckinghamshire NHS Trust announced on Christmas Eve that visiting to its hospitals was being allowed only in “exceptional circumstances.” Visits are being permitted on compassionate grounds.
The trust’s chief executive, Neil Macdonald, said: “Cases are still rising steeply across Buckinghamshire and we are treating an increasing number of Covid and non-Covid patients. While we have plans in place to care for more patients affected by the virus, we are under increasing pressure.
“I want to reassure (the public) we are still here for you whenever you need us – and if you are offered an appointment we would urge you to keep it – but we need your help at this really busy time to keep our hospitals for those that need them most and are seriously ill.”
*Neighbouring county Oxfordshire, which was in a tier 3 restriction zone, joined Buckinghamshire on Boxing Day in tier 4 after a leap in new Covid cases.
Local news
Festive fundraising – Contributions to Bucks Carers had reached £1,389 by last night from the Santa Sleigh tour round the village last week, a collection bucket by the village Christmas tree and donations to a Just Giving page in the absence of Carols on the Common. A Just Giving page set up by Penn and Tylers Green Scout Group for its chosen charity Shelter has so far raised £570 from those wanting to show their appreciation for the Scout Christmas postal service this year.
Flood alert – The Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the River Thames between Cookham and Hurley last night, particularly in the Marlow area. Weirs are being fully opened to reduce flood risk. The Hazlemere to Amersham road was closed yesterday after a sewer fractured, flooding the road by Eastern Dene, Hazlemere.
Tree works – The parish council has applied to crown and thin four lime trees and two copper beech alongside Church Road, Tylers Green, opposite Hawthorne Place.
Phone mast – The mobile phone companies have applied to build a 22.5 metre communications mast at Penn Street Farm in Penn Street.
High Street boost – The Government has earmarked £12m from its Future High Street Fund to help revamp the shopping centre in High Wycombe.