COVID-19: Infection rates in Devon rising as new restrictions introduced across UK

COVID-19 infection rates across Devon have risen for the second consecutive week, with all but one council area in the county reporting an increase in cases.

Figures for the week to November 21 show there were 7,809 new infections across Devon, 13 per cent (923) more than in the previous week.

Levels are extremely high in parts of the county and every district has a higher infection rate than the UK average.

The average infection rate across Devon is now 626 per 100,000 of the population compared to the national average of 437.

The north of the county continues to see its already high case numbers grow.

Last week, cases in Torridge more than doubled to the highest infection rate in England and numbers have now risen again.

In the last complete seven-day period, the district recorded 717 new cases, 112 (18.5 per cent) more than in last previous week.

Torridge now has an infection rate of 1,043 per 100,000 of the population – almost two and a half times higher than the UK average.

It's a similar story in North Devon which recorded 847 new cases, 138 (19.5 per cent) more than in the previous week.

The district now has an infection rate of 863 per 100,000.

The only council area with a decrease in cases was West Devon, which recorded 272 new infections, down 10 (3.5 per cent) on the previous week. West Devon now has an infection rate of 485 per 100,000.

Overall, the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, saw 5,406 new infections, 610 (13 per cent) more than the previous week.

The infection rate across its seven districts is now 667 per 100,000 of the population.

Cases rose significantly in Plymouth too; the city had 1,561 new infections, 272 (20 per cent) more than in the previous week – and an infection rate now at 594 per 100,000.

Torbay's infections rose by four per cent, recording 842 new cases, 32 more than in the previous week. The rise takes the infection rate in the bay to 618 per 100,000 of the population.

Speaking this week, Steve Brown, director of public health for Devon County Council, said part of the rise in cases was because the county had a lower "natural immunity" compared to other areas which experienced higher levels of infection earlier on in the pandemic.

He added: "We are also seeing cases really being driven by primary and secondary-aged children.

"We are not seeing those cases in those older more vulnerable people who might end up in hospital.

"I wouldn't want to worry people but our rates are much higher than last year but with the vaccination programme we are not seeing the same impact which is the important measure to look at."

Mr Brown also said that more people were getting tested in Devon compared to many other parts of the country, leading to more cases being identified.

Temporary and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant in the UK will come into force tomorrow (Tuesday), the government has confirmed.

Face coverings will be mandatory again in shops and on public transport, and all travellers returning to the UK will require PCR testing.

There have no confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Devon.

Hospitalisations

As reported on Tuesday, the NHS in Devon has 168 patients in hospital with COVID-19, up from 111 in early November.

It has not specified the numbers in each hospital. However, available figures up to November 16 show that 40 per cent were in Plymouth, 34 per cent at Exeter, 15 per cent in Torbay and just over a tenth in North Devon.

Deaths

Deaths have increased, with one more recorded than in the previous week. Nineteen people died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test across Devon in the most recent complete seven-day period to November 21. Thirteen people died in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay. Meanwhile, four deaths were recorded in Plymouth. A further two deaths occurred in Torbay. Across Devon, a total of 1,342 people have now died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test since the start of the pandemic.

Vaccinations

Eighty-seven per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, with 80 per cent receiving both doses. In Plymouth, 83 per cent have had one dose, while 76 per cent have had both. In Torbay, 85 per cent have received one dose, while 78 per cent have had both jabs. This means that vaccination rates in Devon remain slightly behind the rest of the UK. Across the country, 89 per cent of people aged 12 and over have had one dose, while 80 per cent have had both jabs.

COVID cases in the Axminster area

COVID-19 cases have started to increase again in the Axminster area, with the infection rate now just above the UK average. In the seven-day period up until November 23, there were 44 cases in the Axminster area, an increase of seven on the previous week. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 463 – above the national average of 437. The figures for neighbouring areas up until November 23 were as follows: Seaton – 40 (increase of 14) Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 28 (increase of 4) Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 24 (increase of 12) Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 33 (no change from previous week) Sidmouth Town – 9 (decrease of 3) Sidmouth Sidford – 31 (increase of 9) Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 40 (no change from previous week) Honiton South & West – 14 (decrease of 6) Honiton North & East – 26 (increase of 7) Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 15 (decrease of 21) Chard West – 9 (decrease of 6) Chard North & East – 20 (increase of 1)