The number of new COVID-19 infections in the county has continued to increase, with all districts registering rises and cases doubling in Eden.
592 new cases were recorded in the week ending 9 October, up from 373 the preceding week, an increase of 59%.
Barrow has today been reclassified by Government as a high-risk area for COVID-19. All other districts remain medium risk. The new rules for Barrow will come into force from Saturday.
Matthew Saunders, Consultant in Public Health at Cumbria County Council, said: “The number of new infections continue to rise and at an increasing speed, with some district areas showing particularly large increases in percentage terms. With the exception of Barrow which is above, and South Lakeland that is very close to, other areas remain below the national average in terms of infection rate, but all areas are clearly heading in wrong direction.
“It is still possible for us to slow the spread, but we need everyone to really follow the rules and guidance closely. The new national COVID-19 risk levels are really clear, but any extra steps people can take to limit their social contact, wear masks in enclosed public spaces (and outdoors if it’s busy), and wash hands will make a big difference. I’d advise everyone to do all they can to reduce the risk to them and their families.”
The latest COVID-19 situation report for Cumbria is available at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread
The headlines for the county are:
- 592 new cases in Cumbria (+219 increase from 373 cases in previous week);
- For the 6th consecutive week Barrow-in-Furness had the greatest number of new cases (+191 new cases), followed by South Lakeland (+153);
- Barrow-in-Furness also had the highest rate of new cases for the 5th week running (+191 new cases = 285 new cases per 100k population), followed by South Lakeland (+153 new cases = 146 new cases per 100k population);
- Both Barrow and South Lakeland’s rates were higher than the national average (England = 139 new cases per 100k population);
- The number of new cases increased from week 40 in all Cumbrian districts, with Barrow and South Lakeland experiencing the greatest numerical increases, while Eden experienced the greatest proportional increase (+105%).
- Greatest number of new positive cases are those aged 15-29 years, however, there has been a recent increase in cases relating to older age groups.
