Corby and Kettering added to government's "areas of concern" Covid-19 watch list

Corby and Kettering have been added to the government's Covid-19 watch list as "areas of concern".

Public health officials said analysis of recent coronavirus cases and rates over August 24 to August 30 showed 145 Northamptonshire residents have tested positive in a week.

Lucy Wightman, director of public health in Northamptonshire, said: "In Corby, we know that around a half of the positive cases are linked back to known outbreaks or exposures within workplaces.

"In Kettering, the cases are not generally linked to outbreaks, but appear more dispersed in the community."

Public health officials say recent data shows a significant increase of coronavirus cases are among those aged 20-29.

Ms Wightman said: "They tend to be more social, to mix more, play sports and have active social lives.

"We are focusing our efforts towards communicating to these young adults and urging them to protect themselves and their older loved ones and adhere to the guidelines."

According to as yet unreleased data information discussed in a briefing this morning, 50 per cent of the new cases diagnosed last week were in the 20-29 age group.

To tackle this, pubgoers in Kettering and Corby will soon be receiving safety messages to their mobile phones.

The rise in cases means central government is closely monitoring the situation in Corby, Kettering, and Northampton.

While the county's overall rate of positive cases has been showing a decrease, Corby, Kettering, East Northants and South Northants are all showing an upward trend.

The Northamptonshire's rate still remains significantly higher than England's overall rate.

Lucy Wightman, director of public health in Northamptonshire, said: "We have increased testing to one of the highest reporting levels nationally which has enabled us to identify where there are more cases of coronavirus in the county.

"It is essential that if you are concerned you have coronavirus or experience symptoms (a high temperature, continuous cough or loss of or change in sense of smell or taste, you book a test.

"The more people who get tested, the better able we are to understand what is driving the increase in cases and how best to reduce the onward spread of the virus."

Residents in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton are being asked to act now and follow local guidance to protect their community.

This includes:

- keep two metres from others at all times

- limit contact with anyone outside of your household or bubble, meet in an outdoor space

- do not share items with others outside of your household or bubble

- if social distancing at two metres is not possible, always use a face covering

- avoid using public transport or car sharing - wear face coverings if you must travel with others

- wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds each time

- work from home if you can

Tests can be booked online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you