Don't be complacent as lockdown is finally starting to reduce spread of coronavirus in Northamptonshire

The lockdown is finally starting to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Northamptonshire but residents should not become complacent, public health bosses have said.

There were around 1,000 fewer cases of Covid-19 recorded last week compared to the previous seven days - but the total of 3,643 is much higher than a month ago.

Both hospitals remain busy with just under 400 coronavirus patients, including 26 in intensive care, while around eight per cent of staff are off-sick.

Meanwhile police issued 113 fines to lockdown rule breakers last week - the Metropolitan Police handed out 140 - and those aged 20-29 are the most common offenders.

Northamptonshire County Council director of public health Lucy Wightman told the weekly Covid-19 press conference today (Friday, January 22) that she believes the lockdown is working.

"We cannot afford to be complacent, we're still feeling the pressure on a number of our services," she said.

"Should people think this is carte blanche to do what they please, we will sure as eggs are eggs, bounce back up and because of the infectivity level of this strain, we will bounce back and we will bounce back high and hard.

"So we've got to be extraordinarily careful and continue to adhere to the rules for some time yet but I think the most important thing to note is it is working.

"So please it is about doing more of what you're doing and for those that aren't doing it yet, to damn well join in because it's only by standing together on this that we're going to get out the other side."

Northamptonshire's infection rate has reduced to being in line with the English average but Corby and Northampton's rates remain much higher, particularly among the over-60s.

However Northampton and Kettering hospitals has not seen a drop in demand due to the lag in people getting ill - with around twice as many patients now than the first wave of the pandemic.

KGH chief executive Eileen Doyle said staffing is a 'struggle' with 827 employees not at work, around half of those due to Covid-19, but they are still treating as many patients as possible.

"Just because you've had the vaccine or had Covid, that doesn't make you invincible, it doesn't necessarily make you immune, so don't feel the need to go out and party or do what you would rather be doing," she said.

"Because until we are all out this I think we have to stick to the rules and hopefully we'll see brighter times in the summer."

Superintendent Elliot Foskett said the force has seen an increase in reports of lockdown breaches as well as the number of fixed penalty notices it has issued.

Since December 1, Northamptonshire Police has received 537 reports of parties, large gatherings or unlicenced music events and officers have attended more than 70 per cent of those.

Supt Foskett also welcomed the increased fine of £800 for party-goers and urged people to only go out if it is essential.

"Attending a party or gathering will cost you money, if you choose to have a party or go to one, you can expect some uninvited guests as we will be coming to see you," he added.