Lockdown started on November 5 and appears to having a positive effect on Covid-19 cases in NorthamptonshireLockdown started on November 5 and appears to having a positive effect on Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire
Lockdown started on November 5 and appears to having a positive effect on Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire

Finally, some good news....Covid infection rates drop below 100 in ten areas of Northamptonshire

Public Health chief warns against complacency as lockdown appears to be working

The number of areas in Northamptonshire where coronavirus infection rates are falling has TREBLED in just three days.

Nine 'Middle Layer Super Output Areas' across the county now have infection rates below 100 in the week up to November 19.

One area around Silverstone recorded so few cases in the last week it does not register on the Government's interactive map. Data is suppressed in areas with very few positive tests to protect individuals' privacy.

On Monday, we published information from the same map which showed just three areas with double-figure infection rates up to November 17.

Parts of Wellingborough, Raunds and around Daventry are all among them.

But Health officials are quick to warn against 'Covid complacency' as the number of positive tests fall in the county as the national lockdown appears to be working.

Last week’s surveillance report — an analysis of recent Covid-19 cases over the period November 9 to November 15 — showed 1,642 residents tested positive with with the virus.

Government figures since then reveal the equivalent figure is 1,277 in the week to yesterday (November 24).

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “Those of you who need to leave home for work, essential shopping or school runs; on buses, trains, or car-sharing – you must not be complacent.

"Wearing a face mask, using hand sanitizer or washing hands regularly and keeping a safe distance at all times are all essential practices if we are to prevent further transmission."

Data analysts divide the county into areas with roughly equal population — around 7,200 — to find comparisons on how coronavirus is spreading using figures for new positive tests and calculating the number assuming each 'Middle Layer Super Output Area' had a 100,000 people.

Those who test positive must self-isolate for ten days while your household must isolate for two weeks — do not go to your workplace, to school or to the shops. The NHS test and trace service will help identify people they have recently been in contact with so they can be alerted and also told to self-isolate if necessary.

If your area is not mentioned, you can check it by entering your postcode on the Government's interactive map HERE.