COVID-19 infection rates across Devon have risen for the third week in a row, with a sharp in case numbers in the Axminster area.

Figures for the week up to November 21 show a total of 8,092 new cases across Devon, 3.6 per cent (283) more than in the previous week.

Infection levels remain extremely high in parts of the county and every district has a higher infection rate than the national average.

The average rate in Devon is now 664 per 100,000 of the population, compared with the national average sits of 440.

Torridge is the worst place for COVID in the country – at least in proportion to the number of people living there. With 1,059 infections per 100,000, it's almost two and a half times higher than the UK average.

North Devon continues to be the county's second top COVID hotspot, in terms of higher tier council authority areas. Despite a six per cent drop (50 cases), the district still recorded 799 new cases. The infection rate of 814 per 100,000 is almost double the national average.

Overall, the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, has high but relatively stable numbers this week, with 5,438 new infections, 21 (0.4 per cent) more than the previous week. The infection rate across its seven districts is now 670 per 100,000 of the population.

Cases rose significantly in Plymouth; the city had 1,777 new infections, 214 (14 per cent) more than the previous week – with a rate of 676 per 100,000.

Torbay's recorded 877 new cases, 32 more than in the previous week. The four per cent rise takes the rate to 644 per 100,000.

Infections in Devon and across the country could shoot up in the coming weeks as the Omicron variant takes hold.

A meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) on Wednesday said that the new variant could lead to a "very large wave of infections" and an increase in hospitalisations, even if vaccines prove effective against the mutation.

Hospitalisations

The most recent data from November 23 shows there were 163 COVID-19 patients in Devon's hospitals. Sixty-one were at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, 49 at the Royal Devon & Exeter, 21 in Torbay and 32 in North Devon.

Of those patients, 16 were in ventilation beds.

Deaths

Nineteen people died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test across Devon in the most recent complete seven-day period, up to November 27 – the same as the previous week.

Eleven people died in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay. Six deaths were recorded in Plymouth and a further two deaths in Torbay.

Across Devon, a total of 1,361 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 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. Thirty-eight per cent have now had their 'booster' jab.

In Plymouth, 83 per cent have had one dose, 76 per cent have had both and 27 per cent the booster.

In Torbay, 85 per cent have received one dose, 79 per cent have had two and 41 per cent have had three.

The national rates are 89, 81 and 34 per cent respectively.

COVID cases in the Axminster area

Axminster has seen a sharp increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the latest figures.

In the seven-day period up until November 30, cases in Axminster doubled to 89.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 936.5 – more than double the national average of 440 and placing it among the worst affected smaller areas in the country.

The figures for neighbouring areas up until November 30 were as follows:

Seaton – 69 (increase of 29)

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 40 (increase of 12)

Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 21 (decrease of 3)

Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 22 (decrease of 11)

Sidmouth Town – 11 (increase of 2)

Sidmouth Sidford – 22 (decrease of 9)

Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 34 (decrease of 6)

Honiton South & West – 9 (decrease of 5)

Honiton North & East – 16 (decrease of 10)

Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 27 (increase of 12)

Chard West – 26 (increase of 17)

Chard North & East – 40 (increase of 20)