Cumbria COVID-19 cases remain low as taxi passengers advised to wear face coverings
Updated: Aug 21, 2020
Coronavirus cases in Cumbria remain low as taxi passengers are advised by the council to wear face coverings when travelling in the region.
Cumbria County Council released this week’s report showing that the number of new cases in the region continues to be broadly static, with 56 new cases in the week ending 14 August, compared to 57 cases the previous week.
The county council’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, is still reminding people to be vigilant and follow social distancing guidelines and good hygiene measures. In particular, people are being advised to wear face coverings in taxis following some concerns about the potential for spread in this setting.
The local multi-agency Cumbria Health Protection Board is continuing to monitor the situation closely, but there is no change to the local public health advice.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “It’s positive that we are not seeing any increase in the number of new infections, but we can only keep the numbers low if people continue to follow the guidance. The experience in other parts of the North West shows how easily things could turn.
“This week we are also advising people to start wearing face coverings in taxis. It is not a legal requirement, unlike on public transport, but our local experience of contact tracing has shown that sharing taxis may have been a factor in some examples of infection spread. Wearing a face covering is a simple thing to do that can help reduce the risk of transmission.”
The key public health messages from Cumbria County Council remain:
Wash or sanitise hands regularly
Observe social distancing rules
Wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces
If you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested
Follow advice to self-isolate if asked.