Corby REMOVED from Government’s Covid watchlist

Corby has been removed from the government’s COVID-19 watchlist after a drop in positive tests.

The town had been placed on the government’s ‘areas of concern’ list following soaring numbers of infections during August and September.

Local people were urged to follow stricter guidelines than some other areas.

The government reviews its list each Friday based on recent spikes or drops in positive cases.

A statement from local public health bosses tonight (Friday, September 25) said that the removal of the town, alongside nearby Northampton, was ‘the result of a continuous partnership effort and significant hard work from the public, from local authorities, businesses and partners across both boroughs‘.

Corby Council leader Tom Beattie said: “There is room for some cautious optimism.

”We’ve been reinforcing the message for the past few weeks.

”I would continue to urge people to follow the guidance we’ve been given around car sharing, the wearing of masks and social distancing.

”That seems to be having an impact and it seems to be working.”

A statement from the Northants Covid Urgent Comms Cell said: “Vigilance must be urged as cases rise nationally and the winter flu season approaches, the hard work that has been done to get to this point must not stop.

“Additionally, the extra support that was provided in terms of military aid and the additional testing resource that was provided, will no longer be available. This means that there may be a small reduction in the number of testing sites available across the county.

This week’s surveillance report, an analysis of the recent COVID-19 cases and rates over the period September 14 to September 20, shows that 136 residents have tested positive with COVID-19 since last week across the whole county. This is a significant drop.

All districts and boroughs across the county are showing a decrease in cases from the previous week. However, the recent decrease may be due to a reduction in testing and delays in result reporting rather than an actual decrease in number of cases.

Incidence rates per 100,000 population continue to be highest in the boroughs of Corby, Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough, but this week all district and borough incidence rates are lower than the England average. Corby’s rate remains highest in the county and closest to the England rate.

Rhosyn Harris, Consultant in Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, says: “This week we have seen further government legislation come into force, restricting the opening of entertainment and hospitality venues between 10pm and 5pm, office workers are required to work from home if they can and there are further requirements to wear face coverings.

“I would also urge all residents to download the new “test and trace” app which enables you to ‘check-in’ to COVID-19 secure venues with a QR code, you can look up COVID-19 symptoms and book a test on the app and you can also enable the contact tracing function.

“If you have COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature, continuous cough or loss of / change in sense of smell or taste), you should self-isolate and book a test. New booking slots are available each evening for the next day and more are released each morning. Pre-booking is essential.

“If you test positive, you must self-isolate for ten days – with your household isolating for 14 days - do not go to your workplace, to school or to the shops. Either work from home or report sick. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they’ve recently been in contact with so they can be alerted and also self-isolate if required.“

Tests can be booked on the Test and Trace app online or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.