Coronavirus cases on the rise in Wellingborough as health officials monitor the town

The government's official coronavirus data shows there have been 17 more confirmed cases in Wellingborough in just four days.

As today (Wednesday), there are 361 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Wellingborough, an increase of 17 since Saturday, August 1.

There is a rate of 452 cases per 100,000 people in Wellingborough.

The town has seen the highest number of new cases in the last four days. East Northants has recorded five more cases, Corby has had seven more and Kettering has three more confirmed infections.

Despite earlier warnings about Kettering and Corby, health officials only stated they were monitoring Wellingborough on Friday, July 31.Public health information released on Friday, July 31 showed the worst affected wards in Wellingborough were Victoria and Isebrook, which had 58 confirmed cases at the time, and Wellingborough Central, which had 50.

Five days before health officals said they were monitoring Wellingborough, they announced Kettering and Corby were being closely monitored.

Corby Council then issued a warning to residents to follow government guidance closely to avoid a local lockdown.

Cllr Tom Beattie, Labour leader of Corby Council, said: "It is disappointing that Corby is in this position, but it is important now to remain positive and continue to follow the government’s guidance closely to avoid a local lockdown.

"All residents are urged to wear their face covering when entering shops, wash hands thoroughly and if you have symptoms, even if they are mild, please ensure you get tested and self-isolate if necessary."

All those testing positive will be told to self-isolate for ten days to stop spreading the coronavirus while the government's Test and Trace service seeks out anyone they have been in close contact with recently with advice to also stay at home for two weeks.

Northamptonshire public health officials say they have not pinpointed the cause for increasing coronavirus cases yet but believe car sharing and not social distancing outside of work could be contributing to the situation.

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