Covid-19 rates continue to rise across the county
Added on 23 October 2020
Data published by Leicestershire County Council shows that, for the week ending 17th October, every district in the county had rates of over 100 cases for every 100,000 people.
Charnwood’s rate of 293 cases for every 100,000 people is significantly above the national average of 168 while Oadby and Wigston’s latest figures are 259.
The Hinckley and Bosworth figure was 112.9 per 100,000 population
Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, says cases are very high in the 17-21s age range while rates among over-60s have trebled since the end of September.
He said: “Mirroring the national figures, we’re seeing steep rises.
“The over-60s rate is an important indicator of likely pressure on the NHS in the weeks to come. Numbers are highest in Charnwood, Oadby and Wigston and Blaby and it’s crucial we stop the spread to people who are more at risk.
“Whatever the restrictions are, it’s important people are sensible. By doing the right thing, we can all play our part to combat this virus. Please continue to wash your hands, keep your social distance and wear a face covering.”
The county council has:
• written to businesses across the county with information and advice to help them ensure that their premises are Covid-19 secure;
• Issued a closure notice to the Black Dog pub in London Road, Oadby, for breaches of the government’s Covid-19 restrictions around pubs and restaurants and
• written to shared homes to provide practical advice
Mike Sandys said: “We’re doing everything we can to curb growing rates. Residents have really stepped up their game – but there is still work to be done as we try to control the spread of the virus. It’s in our own hands locally to keep ourselves and our loved ones, staff and customers safe.”
Businesses can help by:
• Collecting data from customers and visitors and encouraging use of the NHS test and trace app;
• Working with NHS Test and Trace to reduce transmission of the virus;
• Clearly displaying information to staff and customers re-iterating some of the simple actions that we must all do to protect each other – that’s through social distancing, wearing a face mask and washing your hands;
• Advising staff not to car share if possible but if it’s essential to follow safety advice
Councillor Lee Breckon, county council cabinet member for health, said: “I can only echo our director of public health’s take on the current situation – make no mistake this is a crucial phase. And it’s never been more important to follow the national and local guidance.
“By doing so, we can stop cases spreading to our most vulnerable residents.”
District breakdown –
• North West Leicestershire - 110.0 per 100,000 population
• Harborough – 113.0 per 100,000 population
• Hinckley and Bosworth – 112.9 per 100,000 population
• Melton – 125.0 per 100,000 population
• Blaby – 165.5 per 100,000 population
• England – 168.7 per 100,000 population
• Oadby and Wigston – 259.6 per 100,000 population
• Charnwood – 293.2 per 100,000 population
Read the Government guidance at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus