A STAGGERING 1000 per cent increase of Covid-19 cases across Bromsgrove District has been put down to an outbreak at HMP Hewell and local care homes.
The number of cases, from eight to 88, was recorded between December 5 and 12.
Residents were shocked to see the mega rise in areas such as Stoke Heath, Finstall, Bentley and Tardebigge, where the prison is based, when the latest statistics were released.
Especially as cases in neighbouring areas remained much lower.
The Hewell Lane prison, between Redditch and Bromsgrove, was said to be the cause of the spike as well as an outbreak in local care homes.
Dr. Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health in Worcestershire, told the Standard: “We have seen a rise in the number of positive cases of Covid-19 this week, particularly in the Bromsgrove and Wychavon Districts.
“This rise in figures can be accounted for by separate contained outbreaks of Covid-19 at care homes, HMP Long Lartin and HMP Hewell.
“Worcestershire County Council Public Health is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to provide support to the settings, ensuring that where appropriate, self-isolation and measures to minimise further spread are being put in place.
“We need to make sure that in each case, the outbreak is contained and there is low risk to the wider community.”
The latest figures are expected to be released over the next few days.
