Devon and Cornwall saw coronavirus case numbers more than triple over the last week, as the easing of restrictions across the country was delayed for a further four weeks.

A total of 444 new cases were confirmed across the two counties last week, compared to 132 the previous week.

This is the highest figure since the end of February, with Cornwall having seen a particularly large rise in case numbers.

However, infection rates in Devon remain among the lowest in England, and the vast majority of new cases are among age groups that have not yet have been widely vaccinated, or only received one dose of the vaccine.

Of the 444 new cases confirmed since June 4, 216 were in Cornwall, compared to just 27 the previous week.

There were 9 new cases in East Devon, 42 in Exeter, 13 in Mid Devon, 14 in North Devon, 77 in Plymouth, 11 in South Hams, 25 in Teignbridge, 18 in Torbay, 6 in Torridge and 13 in West Devon.

Latest Public Health England data, giving the position as of June 9, show that nine cases of the Indian (Delta) variant of coronavirus have been recorded in Exeter, seven in Torbay, five in Cornwall and Plymouth, less than five in East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge, and none in West Devon.

Infection rates are highest in the 20-39s in every single region of Devon and Cornwall.

Despite the large increase in case numbers in Cornwall, the county's hospitals have no COVID-19 patients.

As of June 8, there were five COVID-19 patients in Devon hospitals, compared to one on June 1 – two at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and three at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

More than three quarters of adults in Devon and Cornwall have had their first COVID-19 vaccine. 

The latest statistics, which provide the position as of June 9, show that there have been 1,392,851 vaccines delivered in Devon, with 787,670 being a first dose, and 605,181 being a second dose.

COVID cases in the Axminster area

Coronavirus case numbers in the local area remain very low, with fewer than three cases reported in Axminster and all immediately surrounding areas as of June 9.

In small areas with fewer than three cases, full data is not provided to protect the identity of individuals.

Cases have been 'fewer than three' across the local area for several weeks now.

The closest areas where there are currently three or more confirmed cases are Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock (3 cases) and Cranbrook, Broadclyst & Stoke Canon (3).

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