Friday coronavirus update as cases level-off in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire

Cumulative cases are steady, and slightly decreased in the north of the county this week.

Cases of Covid-19 in north Northamptonshire appear to be stable, according to the latest figures released this evening (Friday, August 21).

Director for Public Health Lucy Wightman released the latest surveillance report following a press conference this afternoon.

They show that, although there has been a huge spike in cases in Northampton following the Greencore factory outbreak, the number of positive tests in north Northants is more reassuring. But despite this, Ms Wightman says the situation is still ‘fragile’.

Rates are now stabilising in the north of the county

The report data is for the week up to Sunday (August 16).

In Corby, there were 14 new cases, down from 17 the previous week.

In Kettering there were 14 cases, the same as the previous week.

This week’s total for Wellingborough was 17, down from 21 the previous week.

Some areas have seen a slight decrease in cases this week

And in East Northamptonshire, there were nine cases, down from 11 the previous week.

The report states: “Over the last six weeks there has been a continued increase in identified positive cases across the county. This is the highest week on week number since the month of May, with 334 residents testing positive since last week’s report.

Ms Wightman said: “Public Health data shows numbers of positive tests and the rate of infection is at a high level in Castle Ward, Abington Ward, Brookside Ward, Delapre and Briar Hill Ward, Parklands Ward and Talavera Ward.

“These are all areas of focussed public health activity together with Victoria Ward in Wellingborough and the boroughs of Corby and Kettering. Daventry is also showing an upward trend and East Northamptonshire has had sustained high rates of cases in recent weeks.”

The current advice from Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough is an enhancement on the advice being given to the rest of the country, apart from areas of local lockdown.

The advice is:

• Keep 2 metres from others at all times

• Limit contact with anyone outside of your household or bubble

• If you must meet those outside of your household or bubble, meet in an outdoor space

• Do not share items with others outside of your household or bubble

• If social distancing at 2 metres is not possible, always use a face

covering

• Avoid using public transport or car sharing - wear face coverings if you must travel with others

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds each time

• Work from home if you can