Coronavirus cases remain low in Cumbria

Cumbria’s public health director has praised people in the county for their efforts as the number of new coronavirus cases remains low.

The latest data for the week ending April 23 shows there were 59 new COVID-19 cases in the county, down from 75 the week before.

This gives a weekly infection rate of 12 per 100,000, about half the national average.

Some variation between district areas continued, but all districts remained below national and regional averages. Hospitalisations remained very low.

Carlisle is sitting just outside the ten lowest lower-tier local authorities in the UK for its infection rate per 100,000 in the latest figures, with 5.5 per 100,000.

Allerdale and Barrow were also below 10 cases per 100,000. In Eden, it was 13.1 cases per 100,000. Copeland had a rate of 16.1 and in South Lakeland, it was 12.4.

The most recent data up to April 29 showed that 291,285 Cumbrians had received their first vaccine dose, with a further 124,550 having also received their second dose.

Currently, everyone aged 42 or over can book their vaccination via www.nhs.uk. Those booking a vaccination are reminded to cancel their appointment if they can no longer attend to ensure it is available for someone else.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said: “It’s good to see the number of new cases staying low. It shows we are doing the right things, so well done. We do need to keep it up and stick to the roadmap, so please don’t forget the face coverings, hand washing and social distancing.

“And remember cars are classed as indoor spaces so there should still be no mixing of people from different households in cars.

“Regular testing is also an important part of how we keep infection rates low, so I strongly encourage everyone to do a test regularly.

“They are available free of charge from test centres and pharmacies, and you can even get home delivery via GOV.UK. Testing remains important even if you’ve been vaccinated, you can still get COVID and spread it, you’re just less likely to get seriously ill yourself.”