Thousands of free face masks distributed as Milton Keynes experiences highest number of Covid cases since May

Cllr Pete Marland said the virus has spread to 13 schools and nurseries, with an average of one or two cases per school.

The rate of infection is the highest MK has experienced for four months - but it is still reasonably low compared to other areas. However, the council fully expects the city's figures to rise over the next few weeks.

"The number of cases is currently 16.3 per 100,000 people in Milton Keynes. That compares to 43.2 in Luton, 28.3 in Bedford and 17.7 per 100,000 in Central Bedfordshire," said Pete.

"It might seem that our numbers here in Milton Keynes are still relatively low. The reality is that they are only like that because of all the hard work you are putting in to control the spread of the virus," he added.

"We do expect our numbers to keep rising in the next few weeks. However if too many people don’t follow the rules those numbers will increase even more rapidly to dangerous levels."

Pete said council staff had been out and about the streets of MK to distribute thousands of free face masks.

"They went door knocking to give advice and ask residents how they’ve changed their behaviour since the end of lockdown.

"We found that most people are taking more care when they go out. People are spending less time with their family and friends than they usually would as they’re worried about passing the virus on. By and large people in Milton Keynes do understand the rules and what’s being asked of them."

But schools are still posing a problem, with an average of almost one school or nursery a day reporting cases since the new term began two weeks ago.

Pete said: "Milton Keynes Council is currently giving advice to thirteen schools and educational settings in MK. In general we’re seeing one or two cases per school. Each case is different and the action taken will depend on a number of factors.

"Every case will be the subject of detailed analysis made with experts from public health before schools decide how to respond depending on the risk of transmission. Safety will always come first. Most schools have only been open for 14 days and we are learning more all the time about how to deal with issues."

He warned: "It is likely that given the nature of the virus some level of disruption is going to continue for some time yet."

Pete added: "While it is easy to concentrate on the headlines about all the bad things, the good news is that most people in Milton Keynes are kind, considerate and community spirited. They are doing their best to help themselves and others. It is really important though that we all follow the measures to keep safe."

He has repeated the safety measures below:

* The Rule of Six. Groups of more than six are not allowed for social gatherings indoors or outdoors. The only exceptions are in a workplace, at school, at weddings or funerals and organised team sports where additional Covid secure precautions are being taken. If your household or support bubble is more than six that’s allowed, but you can’t socialise with anyone else.

* Hands, face, space – regularly washing your hands for more than 20 seconds, wearing a face mask or covering in public places, and keeping two metres apart from others if you possibly can.

* If you or your child have the main symptoms of Covid-19, please get stay home and get tested. The symptoms are a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a change to your sense of smell or taste. You must self-isolate for ten days if you have the virus. Milton Keynes Council does not control testing, please go online or call 119 to book a test. Please don’t call 111, your GP or the council to try and get a test.

The NHS has this week launched a Covid-19 app that will provide you with all the latest information and guidance, as well as helping with the track and trace process. It uses extra measures to protect your information securely. The app is also useful to check in with a QR code at a pub or restaurant.

You can download it here or from your app store provider.