Kettering removed from Government's "areas of concern" Covid watchlist

Kettering is no longer an "area of concern" for the Government over its rate of positive Covid-19 test results.

Last week it was added to a watchlist and health chiefs were told the borough, alongside neighbouring Corby, would be closely monitored.

But Kettering is now not on the most recent list of local authority areas that will be under observation, published today (Friday).

Earlier today it was revealed the number of new cases in Kettering and Corby has fallen, but rates still remain high.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon Kettering Council leader, Conservative Russell Roberts, said: "We are not out of the woods yet, we are going in the right direction but we cannot get complacent."

Corby and Northampton remain on the areas of concern watchlist with Corby's weekly incidence rate sitting at 35.3 cases per 100,000 people - almost double the England average of 19.7.

The Government's latest weekly Covid-19 surveillance report also shows Corby's seven-day average of the number tested per day per 100,000 people, 242.2, is the highest of all areas currently being monitored by the Government.

This weekend tests are available for pedestrians at Corby's James Ashworth VC Square, Kettering's London Road car park and Wellingborough's Market Square, for pedestrians and drive-thru at Kettering's Wadcroft car park and drive-thru only at Kettering Conference Centre.

Tests switched to appointment-only in our towns earlier this week because of a national shortage in testing capacity, with some people directed to Aberdeen and Liverpool when they couldn't get a test in Corby.

Northamptonshire's director of public health Lucy Wightman urged people only to book a test if they have coronavirus symptoms - otherwise they could be taking a test from someone who really needs it.

She said: “Owing to very high levels of demand for coronavirus tests across the country, local availability of testing, as in many areas, is currently limited.

“If you have coronavirus symptoms and are unable to book a test in the local area today, more testing slots are released after 6pm each evening and then further slots the following day.

“Only people with coronavirus symptoms - a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste - should book a test.

"If you don’t have symptoms please do not come forward for a test as you may be taking a test away from someone who really needs it. Booking is available online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.”

Almost 20 areas, including nearby Leicester, are currently classed as "areas of intervention" and household mixing is banned.

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