Government takes Spelthorne off Covid-19 watchlist

Spelthorne has been take off the national Covid-19 watchlist and is no longer an ‘area of concern’.

The Government made the announcement today (Thursday 1) after the borough’s coronavirus infection rate more than halved.

It is now at 25 cases per 100,000 people, compared with 53.4 per 100,000 when health secretary Matt Hancock put Spelthorne on the list almost two weeks ago.

Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey’s director of public health, said: “People in Spelthorne have done a brilliant job of bringing the infection rates down in the borough.

“There has obviously been a tremendous effort to follow the guidelines, and this is proof it works.”

Spelthorne was the first area in the South East to be put on the watchlist on September 18.

There had been concern residents would have to follow stricter measures such as those in Bolton where different households are banned from meeting anywhere.

Ms Hutchinson said she did not want people to become complacent. She said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that people keep up the good work.

“We are at a crucial point for Surrey and the rest of the country and we need to keep infection rates under control.

“There are no shortcuts when it comes to protecting ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS.”

She urged people to keep washing their hands and wearing face coverings and reminded that no one should be getting together in groups of more than six.

“The situation can change quickly, so let’s all play our part to make sure that life can continue as normally as possible,” she said.

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms – a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste – should book a test by calling 119 or book online

Slots are made available the evening before for morning appointments, and in the morning for afternoon appointments.