Cumbria absolves tourism of blame for spike in Covid cases

Monday, August 30, 2021

Newly-released figures show the Covid-19 infection rate has jumped by nine per cent in a week, up from 1,270 cases to 1,382.

The region with the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria is Allerdale, with an increase of 276, while Eden had overtaken Barrow-in-Furness in having the highest rate of new cases per 100,000 population (at 434).

However, the most recent indications show that the rising rates in Eden have peaked and are falling once again. Both Eden and Barrow were above the national and regional averages.

Even though Cumbria has seen an influx of tourists, the county’s public health director Colin Cox is putting the rise down to residents rather than visitors.

Children mostly account for the increase in the rate, although almost 90 per cent of people above 15 have had at least one vaccination.

Mr Cox is still encouraging people to get tested, especially as children prepare to head back to school.

“Although the rise in cases we’ve seen this week is smaller compared to the previous seven days, it’s still an increase and shows infection rates are only moving in one direction now,” he said.

“Evidence shows that case numbers are not being driven by tourism, but by local outbreaks. So it’s important during the last few days of the summer holidays that Cumbrians remain vigilant and do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”

New cases in all other Cumbrian districts decreased or remained the same.

The 12-18 age group accounted for the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria, with 223 cases, as well as the greatest rate of new cases, with 609 per 100,000 population.

However, the 50-59 age group experienced the greatest numerical increase in new cases.

The number of new patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 Positive status has decreased from the previous week.
About 87 per cent of Cumbrians aged 15 and over have now having received their first vaccination dose and 79 per cent their second.

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