Sign up to FREE email alerts from YorkshireLive - SouthYorkshireLive News Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The risk of contracting coronavirus in Sheffield is "not necessarily" higher than other parts of Yorkshire, a public health chief has said.

It comes after the city moved into third place in the national league table for total infections with 240.

Director of Public Health for Sheffield, Greg Fell, believes the numbers are down to increased frequency of tests in the city.

Only Southwark and Lambeth in London have worse records for confirmed cases.

Mr Fell said:"Regardless of the current data, my advice is the same. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives. This gives us the best chance of slowing the spread of this virus, not only protecting people, but relieving the strain on our vital NHS services.

'The data is simply a reflection that there is more testing happening here'

"I understand that people may find the reported number of cases in Sheffield worrying, but the data is simply a reflection that there is more testing happening here currently than in some other areas and so by default we know about more positive cases. This doesn’t necessarily mean that there's more chance of being infected here than other parts of Yorkshire.

"Anyone experiencing symptoms or feeling unwell must stay at home for 14 days. The most common symptoms are a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature, which is 37.8 degrees or higher. You can use 111 online to help you manage these symptoms at home but if you can’t manage by yourself call 111 for support.

"If you’re in any of the vulnerable categories you must self-isolate at home.

"If you’re healthy and you’re going out for a stroll or for other essential reasons make sure you keep at least a 2m distance from anyone who isn’t in your household.

'I can’t stress enough, stay at home means stay at home'

"I can’t stress enough, stay at home means stay at home, not hang out at the park, or go to church, or the DIY shop. Staying at home massively cuts down on spread and speed of spread and this is the most effective way to buy time for the NHS to maximise its capacity to look after everyone who is suffering from this virus."

Meanwhile numbers of confirmed cases in Barnsley have risen from 20 to 27 within 24 hours and it appears all those patients have been hospitalised.

Julia Burrows, Barnsley Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “The numbers of people with COVID-19 are rising in Barnsley as they are across the country. Unfortunately, in line with the rest of the country, we expect this to accelerate over the next few weeks. The numbers of confirmed cases only relate to those who are admitted to hospital so are not an accurate indicator of numbers of local cases. Most people with symptoms are self-isolating at home and the majority will only experience a mild illness.

“As a council we continue to reiterate that the most important thing people can do is to stay at home and continue to follow guidance on washing hands regularly and maintaining social distance. The majority of people are doing so and we thank them for that.

“We’re asking all residents of Barnsley to follow the government's guidance; it will give our borough the best chance of limiting the impact of the virus and help to protect lives,” she said.