Coronavirus infections rising in Corby and Kettering, warn health chiefs

The rate of infection in Kettering is 'significantly' higher than the national rate
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Northamptonshire's health chiefs are closely monitoring coronavirus rates in the boroughs of Kettering and Corby after a rise in infections over recent weeks.

There have been a total of 3,380 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire up to July 19, with 581 in Kettering and 323 in Corby.

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There were 11 new confirmed cases in Corby in just a week between July 13 and 19, and 12 new cases in Kettering over the same week.

Health chiefs are monitoring the situation in Kettering and CorbyHealth chiefs are monitoring the situation in Kettering and Corby
Health chiefs are monitoring the situation in Kettering and Corby

The situation is more serious in Kettering, where the rate of infection per 100,000 people is "significantly higher" than both the national average and county average.

The rate of 573.7 infections per 100,000 people in Kettering is also higher than Northampton (527.7) where health chiefs say urgent action is needed to prevent the virus spreading further.

In response to the worrying rises, more test sites are being planned in Kettering and Corby. The first will open in Kettering's London Road car park on Thursday, July 30 for both drive-in and walk-in appointments.

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People across the county are being encouraged to book a test even if they are experiencing just mild symptoms.

Cases have been rising in Corby and remain high in KetteringCases have been rising in Corby and remain high in Kettering
Cases have been rising in Corby and remain high in Kettering

The worst affected ward of the Kettering borough is Kettering Town and West, which has seen 132 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic. The area is followed by Desborough with 87 confirmed cases, then Burton Latimer, Broughton and Mawsley with 61 cases, and Kettering Central East with 60.

In Corby, the worst affected ward is Corby Village and Weldon, with 63 cases, followed by Corby Lodge Park with 57 confirmed infections.

Public Health Northamptonshire said it is tracking the situation daily and looking into localised data to understand the reasons for increasing infections.

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Health chiefs said: "Whilst we cannot yet pinpoint the exact reasons or trends in transmission, it has come to our attention that non-compliant car sharing and social distancing outside areas of work and at bus stops are a concern."

The rate of infection in Kettering is significantly higher than the county and national ratesThe rate of infection in Kettering is significantly higher than the county and national rates
The rate of infection in Kettering is significantly higher than the county and national rates

In guidance, Public Health Northamptonshire said: "We all need to continue to protect ourselves and each other by following the social distancing guidelines, washing hands regularly for 20 seconds, wearing a face covering on public transport/in enclosed spaces and contact tracing."

If you have Covid-19 symptoms then you must self-isolate and get a test, even if you only have mild symptoms.

If you are contacted by NHS test and trace and asked to self-isolate, you should stay at home for 14 days.

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To book a test, visit nhs.uk/coronavirus.Message from the editor:

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