COVID-19: Cases across Devon and Cornwall continue to drop

The number of new coronavirus cases confirmed across Devon and Cornwall last week was at its lowest since the start of September.

A total of 108 new cases were confirmed across the two counties in the last week, compared to 184 the previous week, with the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic now standing at 48,287.

This comes after a raft of false positives across the region were removed from the data on Tuesday, giving a negative total for the day.

It is the lowest weekly total since 154 cases were recorded in the week of ending September 12.

Of the 108 new cases confirmed since May 14, 26 were in Cornwall, 5 in East Devon, 11 in Exeter, 4 in Mid Devon, 6 in North Devon, 14 in Plymouth, 19 in South Hams, 13 in Teignbridge, 4 in Torbay, 2 in Torridge, and 4 in West Devon.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "While coronavirus is still present in our communities, and people are still at risk of catching it and spreading it, the common sense approach is the cautious approach.

"Around one in three people who catch coronavirus do not show symptoms, so can spread the virus to others without knowing.

"And while vaccines reduce the chances of catching COVID-19 and passing it on, and of serious illness, they do not eliminate the risk as protection against the virus is not guaranteed.

"I ask people to remain ever vigilant of risk as we take in the latest easing of restrictions. We are allowed to do a little bit more now, but just because we can, doesn't mean we must.

"Make testing part of your regular week. Build it into a routine, and use the lateral flow device tests as well when you know you're likely to be meeting up with friends or family. 

"These tests are so fast now that you will have your result and peace of mind in half an hour.  If it comes back positive, then you'll prevent others from catching it by staying home and arranging a confirmatory test."

Hospital admissions

There are now just four patients in hospitals in Devon and Cornwall following a positive COVID-19 test, with no patients on Devon and Cornwall on ventilators. Two of these patients are in Cornwall, one in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and one at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

There have been no patients in hospital in North Devon since April 3, while Torbay Hospital has been free of patients since April 13 – the only day since March 30 it housed a patient.

There have been no coronavirus-related deaths in any of Devon and Cornwall's hospitals since April 29.

Vaccinations

More than 700,000 people in Devon have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – with close to 500,000 having had a second jab.

The statistics, which provide the position as of May 17, show that there have been 1,169,431 vaccines delivered in Devon, with 729,168 being a first dose, and 440,263 being a second dose.

Across Devon and Cornwall, more than 70 per cent of adults have had their first dose, with about 45 per cent having had a second dose.

COVID cases in the Axminster area

Coronavirus case numbers in the local area remain very low, with Axminster and every immediately surrounding area reporting fewer than three confirmed cases in the seven-day period up until May 18.

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 area where three or more cases have been reported is Taunton Rowbarton & Kingston (5 cases).