Cumbria’s public health chief says that the number of coronavirus cases in the county is remaining stable and that they continue to be below the England average.
The latest data shows that the case rate per 100,000 people per week stands at about 275, which is one of the lowest rates in the UK and significantly below the average of 344.5.
“Things look pretty stable in Cumbria,” said Colin Cox, the county’s director of public health.
“The case rate has stayed at about 275 per 100,000 per week for about a fortnight, which is a lot lower than the England average.
“It is a high rate to stabilise, but this is not translating into lots of cases in hospital.”
Meanwhile, vaccine uptake in Cumbria is beginning to slow, but it is still higher than the England average.
“Vaccination uptake has been great generally but it is slow in terms of finishing things off,” said Mr Cox.
Vaccine spike expected
“This week everybody in the 16-17 age group are now being formally invited to get their vaccines so I expect to see a spike in vaccination this week and next.”
Of an eligible population in Cumbria of about 437,000, 350,000 have had both doses, 33,000 have had their first dose and 54,000 are not vaccinated.
“I suspect the challenge is that some people feel they don’t need it because they will be alright if they catch it, which there may be some truth that younger people don’t have the same impact if they catch it, but we do know that long covid is a problem too.
“But vaccination is also there to stop the spread of transmission and protect those who are vulnerable and help keep everyone else safe.”
He said that everyone should continue to reduce close social contact indoors, ensure rooms are ventilated if meeting people indoors and wear a mask in crowded places.
“I would encourage people to think about how their actions may impact other people,” said Mr Cox.
Visitors should get tested
He is also encouraging visitors to the Lake District to get tested before they travel to the area.
“We are not seeing a huge amount of transmission as a result of tourism but from my perspective, we want to get case rates down,” said Mr Cox. “It is also a matter of courtesy if you travel somewhere else to get tested beforehand.
“I would say that to someone from Cumbria who was planning to travel to reduce the risk of transmission to other areas.”
The details of the booster vaccine programme and who will get an extra dose of the jab are still to be decided but Mr Cox expects that not everyone will be offered the opportunity in the lead-up to winter.
“We are still waiting for national guidance but my expectation is that it will be offered to older age groups in the first instance as they have been vaccinated first as they will be the ones becoming vulnerable again,” he said.
“We won’t be in a position where everyone is offered a booster this winter.”
