COVID-19 infection rates across Devon have risen for the fourth week in a row with all parts of the county still higher than the UK average.

Figures for the week up to December 5 show 9,003 new infections across Devon – 911 (11.3 per cent) more than the previous week.

The average infection rate across Devon is now 774 per 100,000 of the population, compared to the national average of 497.

After having the highest rate in the country for the past fortnight, cases in Torridge fell, with 633 infections, 13 per cent fewer than the previous week.

Nevertheless, the rate remains high, with 921 cases per 100,000, 85 per cent more than the national average.

West Devon had the highest increase in cases, with 425 new infections, 44 per cent (129) more than last week. The infection rate is 757 per 100,000.

The Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, saw infections increase significantly, with 5,925 people contracting COVID-19 – 486 (9 per cent) more than last week. The area's infection rate is 731 per 100,000.

Cases rose significantly in Plymouth, with 2,144 new infections, 20 per cent (363) more than the week before. The infection rate is 816 per 100,000.

Torbay's recorded 934 new cases, up 57. The seven per cent rise takes the infection rate in the bay to 686 per 100,000 of the population.

More than five cases of the Omicron variant have now been identified across Devon. This more transmissible form of the disease is expected to overtake Delta to become the most dominant form of COVID-19.

Hospitalisations

The latest available complete data released on November 30 showed that there were 148 patients with COVID-19 in hospitals across Devon, down 15 on the previous week's figure.

Of these,63 were at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, 42 at the Royal Devon & Exeter, 23 in Torbay and 20 in North Devon.

Of the total number of COVID-19 patients, 12 were in ventilation beds.

Deaths

Eleven people died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test in Devon in the most recent complete seven-day period up to Sunday, November 5 – eight fewer than in the previous week. Four people died in the Devon County Council area, with an addition four deaths in Plymouth and three in Torbay. Across Devon, a total of 1,372 people have now died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test since the pandemic first started.

Vaccinations

Eighty-seven per cent of people aged 12 and above have now had at least one dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, with 81 per cent receiving both doses. Forty-three per cent have now had their booster dose. In Plymouth, 83 per cent have had one dose, while 76 per cent have had both. Thirty two per cent have had the booster. In Torbay, 85 per cent have received one dose, while 79 per cent have had both jabs. Forty-six per cent have had their third vaccine.

COVID-19 cases in the Axminster area

COVID-19 cases in the Axminster area have dropped again, after a sharp rise in last week's figures made it one of the worst affected small areas in the country. In the seven-day period up until December 7, there were 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Axminster, a drop of 26 on the previous week. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 662.9 – still well above the national average of 497. The figures for neighbouring areas up until December 7 were as follows: Seaton – 72 (increase of 3) Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 55 (increase of 15) Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 32 (increase of 10) Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 19 (decrease of 3) Sidmouth Town – 14 (increase of 3) Sidmouth Sidford – 37 (increase of 15) Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 42 (increase of 8) Honiton South & West – 13 (decrease of 4) Honiton North & East – 20 (increase of 4) Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 28 (increase of 1) Chard West – 19 (decrease of 7) Chard North & East – 31 (decrease of 9) You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at coronavirus.data.gov.uk

Moving to Plan B – what has changed?

You must wear a face covering in most indoor public places, at large venues and events, and on public transport. From Monday, December 13, you should work from home if you can. From Wednesday, December 15, you'll need to show your NHS COVID Pass at nightclubs, some venues and large events to show you're fully vaccinated, have had a negative test result in the last 48 hours, or you have an exemption. The government has also accelerated its programme for COVID-19 booster jabs. As of Monday, December 13 all over 18s who had their second dose of the vaccine at least three months ago are able to get their booster jab. The booster vaccines are available at walk-in centres, and from Wednesday appointments will be available to book on the NHS website for all those aged 18 and over.