East Northants emerges as county's new coronavirus hotspot

The East Northamptonshire local authority area has overtaken Kettering as the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in the county.

Two weeks ago, the Northants Telegraph reported that Kettering was emerging as a Covid-19 hotspot with the 13th highest rate of new cases in England between May 9 and May 23.

In the following two weeks, between May 23 and June 6, East Northants overtook Kettering in increasing cases.

Over the past two weeks, government figures show there were 22 new cases confirmed in East Northamptonshire, which is a rate of 23.3 new cases of coronavirus per 100,000 people.

It is the highest rate of new cases in Northamptonshire and places East Northants within the worst 30 local authorities in England for new cases between May 23 and June 6.

In contrast, the number of new cases fell in Kettering and the local authority dropped from the 13th local authority in England for increase in new cases to outside of the top 30.

East Northants has been hit hard by coronavirus. The local authority has had 81 deaths registered where Covid-19 was a factor, the second highest in the county yet the area has a smaller population than Northampton and Kettering.

There have been 24 deaths from Covid-19 in care homes registered in East Northants, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The majority of coronavirus deaths registered in East Northants have been in hospital, where 54 people have died.

The area’s worst week was the week ending April 10, when there were 16 Covid-19 death registrations.

The government has suggested that local lockdowns could be the answer to ending national restrictions but stopping the spread of coronavirus in hotspots.

Northamptonshire's director of public health, Lucy Wightman, has urged the public to remain vigilant.

She said: "The people of Northamptonshire have been fantastic in the way that they have embraced social distancing and followed government and health advice so far during the pandemic – but it’s clear that we all must remain focused on playing our own part to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"Please stay at home as much as possible and limit contact with other people where it is necessary to go out, including remaining at least two metres away from people outside your own household and continue to wash your hands regularly.

"It’s also important to remember that the NHS is still here for all those who need it. Even if you are shielding or isolating at home, please contact your GP or use the NHS 111 service if you need help for your physical or mental health."

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