As England starts a new period of national lockdown, latest data for the week ending 30 October shows the number of new COVID-19 infections continuing to rise in Cumbria, but with variation across the county’s six districts.
While Barrow and Carlisle remained the districts with the highest infection rates, both saw their rates drop. Barrow remains above the England average and Carlisle just below.
By contrast Allerdale, Copeland and South Lakeland all saw significant increases in their rates, though all remain well below the England average.
The weekly COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread
For the 3rd week in a row, the 45-59 age group accounted for the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria. Cases among the over 60s also continued to rise, with the infection rate for this age group now just below the England average (155/100,000 v 161/100,000).
The number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals beds across Cumbria’s two NHS Trusts rose to 159 on the 2nd of November (this includes the Royal Lancaster Infirmary which also takes patients from South Cumbria).
Registrars data shows a further 11 people died as a result of COVID-19.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “As we start this new period of national restrictions there are indications the infection rates may be stabilising in some areas of the county, but there are concerning increases in others. What is clear however is that the number of people in hospital is increasing and the health system is under real pressure. We have also sadly seen further deaths.
“If everyone sticks to the rules, the lockdown gives us the chance to significantly reduce infections, reducing pressure on the NHS, preventing more deaths and giving more time for vaccines to be developed. Although we must be prepared for further increases over the new two weeks before the effect of the lockdown in felt.
“We know these new restrictions will have a significant impact on our economy and on people’s well-being, there is help and support available and I would urge anyone having difficulty to contact the council’s COVID helpline.”
The council’s COVID helpline can be contacted on 0800 783 1966 ((Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm). Information is also available at www.cumbria.gov.uk/welfare
Full details of new national restrictions are available at GOV.UK, including new information for people who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable. Whilst this is not a return to the very restrictive shielding advice from the previous lockdown, people on the shielding list are strongly advised to follow extra precautionary shielding measures to help keep themselves safe.
People are also being reminded to get tested if they have symptoms and self-isolate until they get a result. Go to https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
