Northamptonshire in a 'precarious position' warns Public Health chief as NHS confirms five more coronavirus deaths

Northamptonshire's position remains "precarious" after being placed in Tier Two under the Government's Covid Winter Plan, the director of health in the county has said.

Five more coronavirus deaths were confirmed at Northamptonshire's two main hospitals by NHS officials on Thursday.

And the county's Public Health Director Lucy Wightman fears "Covid complacency" could creep in when the national lockdown is replaced by new restrictions on Wednesday.

Following today's news that Northamptonshire will be in Tier Two until mid-December at least, Mrs Wightman said: “Sadly, despite the hard work and sacrifice made by people across the country, the significant increase in cases immediately prior to lockdown means we will be exiting next week into a higher tier of restrictions.

“Our position remains precarious and so we must now all remember that while the lockdown restrictions will start to ease regarding certain activities, just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.

"We must not be Covid-complacent and it is paramount that we continue to take measures to ensure that ourselves and our loved ones are protected from the virus.”

NOW READ: Our interactive map shows Covid alert levels for every area in EnglandNHS data revealed three deaths at Northampton General Hospital — two on Tuesday this week and one on Monday — plus two at Kettering General Hospital, also on Tuesday.

Today's sad news takes the total to 77 deaths among coronavirus patients at the county's two acute NHS Trusts — 48 at Northampton and 29 at Kettering — during the second-wave of the pandemic.

Covid-19 was already linked to 311 deaths in Northampton and 220 in Kettering between March and August.

A further 159 coronavirus-related deaths in county care homes have also been notified by the Care Quality Commission.

The Government's decision over which tiers areas are placed in is based on the latest available data on number of positive tests, how quickly cases are rising or falling, infection rates and pressure on the NHS.

Many restrictions in each tier have been toughened and many more areas have been placed into higher tiers.

Northampton was in Tier One before the second national lockdown but cases have continued to rise since then.

Shops, entertainment and sporting venues and personal care businesses will all be able to open again from Wednesday.

But under Tier Two restrictions in Northamptonshire:

■ You cannot mix with another household indoors

■ You can meet up to six people from another household outdoors. Overnight stays are permitted only withing your household or support bubble

■ Walk and cycle wherever possible and avoid travelling to Tier Three areas such as Leicestershire and Warwickshire

■∙You must work from home if you can

■ Pubs must close unless operating as restaurants

Current tier allocations will be reviewed on December 16.