THIS is why Corby is facing stricter Covid-19 lockdown measures

Statistcs released this afternoon (Friday, July 31) show the reason why local health experts are concerned about a rise in coronavirus cases in Corby.

Corby Council today announced that it was delaying the lifting of some lockdown measures after a worrying spike in cases. The authority said the Corby Cube would not open as planned and urged people to be extra vigilant.

And Northamptonshire County Council data released late today shows the reason why Corby Council have good cause to be concerned.

Their graph, part of the county's new weekly surveillance report, shows ZERO cases of the virus were confirmed in Corby during from late June until July 5 when there was a sudden spike.

There were eight new cases in Corby in the week up to July 26.

The rate of infection in Corby is now at 470.2 cases per 100,000 people - higher than the county average of 464.5 cases.

Health bosses opened a temporary Covid testing site in Corby on Wednesday and there were queues there yesterday (Thursday).

Although the infection rate has dipped this week, the figures still show a weekly upward trend in the town.

The highest number of cumulative cases in Corby are in the Village, Weldon, Lodge Park and Snatchill.

People in Corby are now being asked to follow additional measures in line with Northampton to avoid further a rise.

• 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

A statement from NCC this afternoon said: "This week’s surveillance report, an analysis of the recent COVID -19 cases and rates over the period 20-26 July, shows that the coronavirus infection rate in the borough of Northampton remains above the national and regional average. It also reveals that rates in Corby and Kettering continue on an upward trend.

"The daily rate of laboratory confirmed cases for Corby has risen rapidly since early July.

"Public health officials have welcomed the response as many have come forward for testing and they continue to urge all residents in Corby and Kettering that if they have concerns, however small, they will be tested."

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, says: “As a population we must take collective responsibility to adhere to the guidelines so we can get on top of this situation. The response from the public this week has been very encouraging as more people have come forward for testing.

“It is essential that if you concerned you have Coronavirus or experience symptoms (high temperature, continuous cough or loss of / change in sense of smell or taste), you book a test. The more people who get tested the more likely we are able to understand the situation and then we can take measures to address them.

“If you test positive, you must self-isolate for ten days, do not go to your workplace or to the shops, either work from home or report sick .Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they’ve recently been in contact with so they can be alerted.”

Tests can be booked online at here or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.

More info is available here.