A HARD-hitting plea has been issued to the people of Bradford in the face of a spike of new Covid-19 cases.

The latest figures at the time of writing revealed the district was second highest in the country, behind Bolton, where extra measures have been put in place, with an infection rate of 74.7 (403 cases) per 100,000 people - a sharp increase from 49.1 the previous week.

It mirrors the picture across the country, where a surge in cases has caused concern among senior health officials.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday warned of a possible second peak of coronavirus following a “concerning” rise in the number of cases. His warning came as he imposed further restrictions in Bolton. A recent spike in cases across the country should be a reminder that the virus “remains a threat”, he said.

“This is not over,” he told the House of Commons.

“Just because we have come through one peak doesn’t mean we can’t see another one coming towards our shores.”

England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has also warned that if people stop social distancing then “Covid comes back”. It is understood that officials are considering reducing the number of people who can gather indoors in England. The current limit is 30 but it could be cut as a result of the current spike in cases.

And Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe told a meeting that “these are serious times, and serious actions are needed by all of us”. 

She said: “We’ve all seen in the news about rising infection rates, and we all have to be very vigilant. Figures have risen substantially and we need to make sure we get on top of this and get the figures down.

"Every person in the district can help with this – stay two metres apart, no hand shaking, no hugs, wear face coverings indoors.I would urge shop keepers to ask people in their stores to wear face coverings. Most people with have one with them and will wear them if asked.”

The Shearbridge & University area is a major virus hotspot both in Bradford and the country.

Councillor Aneela Ahmed (Lab, City) urged people to be “extra vigilant”. 

She said: “As we are all  aware, as  a district we are at a very delicate moment now because life is opening back up and infections are rising. So we need everyone to be extra vigilant. People need to  keep apart by two metres at all times whenever possible, wash hands thoroughly and regularly, wear face coverings in enclosed spaces and get tested straight away if they have any symptoms.”

She said the “sensible and pragmatic” precautions are the best way to protect the elderly and vulnerable - and “less onerous” than the risk of further lockdowns.

The high number of cases comes as students prepare for the new academic year.

The University of Bradford said it has put in place changes to its campus operations and teaching and research delivery.

A spokesperson said: "Our carefully planned blended approach to teaching and learning for new and returning students enables the provision of safe, flexible educational and working practices, which will deliver high-quality, impactful education and research. This approach also allows us to adapt the blend of campus-based and online activities to best support the safety and experience of our staff and students.

"We have implemented a range of measures to ensure the health and safety of staff and students on campus. These include risk assessments for all University operations, social distancing across campus with clear signage and guidance on how to adhere to requirements, and widely available sanitisation stations.

"We have implemented an enhanced cleaning regime in all our buildings and staff, students and visitors are expected to wear face coverings in indoor communal public spaces.

"Our teaching arrangements are designed to manage the number of people who will be on campus at any one time and we are working closely with the local authority and public health agencies to develop and implement an effective approach to testing and tracing at the university.

"As we proceed with testing our operational readiness for the start of the semester, we will continue to work with our stakeholders, including University trade unions and the local authority and public health agencies on our plans."

Meanwhile, Lisa Normington, 36, lives in the Thornbury area, also an area with a high number of Covid cases, and was identified as someone who needed to shield, but is now concerned at “selfish” behaviour, with Leeds Road “packed every night” and the feeling that life has returned to normal. 

She said: “I was in the vulnerable group and take this very seriously but no one else is, it’s no surprise to me we have a rising infection rate.

"A few weeks ago things were very different everyone cared now everyone just seem to think this virus won’t kill us despite the rising infection rate. It’s really selfish behaviour.”