‘Urgent action required’ in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough as all see double-digit Covid infections

The latest coronavirus data released this evening (Friday, August 14) by public health bosses have increasing rates of positive tests in three of our boroughs.

Northamptonshire’s COVID-19 positive case rate is now classed as significantly higher than the England average.

Statistics from the county’s weekly surveillance report which cover the week up to August 9 show significant rises in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, with clusters centred around heavily populated areas.

In Corby there were 17 new cases recorded, in Wellingborough, 21 cases and in Kettering, 14 cases. In East Northants there were 11 positive tests.

More locally, in the last 28 days the area around Victoria and Isebrook in Wellingborough is a hotspot with 19 cases, and in Corby there have been 11 cases in Snatchill. Kettering town has had 10 cases.

Across the county, as of yesterday (Thursday), there were 16 active outbreaks (two or more linked cases) including in care homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals and hospices. These include the 292 cases linked to Northampton’s Greencore factory.

A statement from the county’s local resilience forum says: “Rates in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire are on an upward trend.

“Over the past five weeks there has been an increase in identified positive cases across the county, with 151 residents testing positive since last week’s report. This is the highest week on week number since the beginning of June. More recent data also reveals that numbers are expected to rise even further given the scale and nature of recent outbreaks.

“Northampton borough remains a ‘hotspot’ and the rate of infection in Castle Ward and Abington is still at a high level, and the number of positive tests are also high within the borough.

”Brookside Ward, Delapre and Briar Hill Ward are now also areas of focussed activity, as are Victoria Ward in Wellingborough and the boroughs of Corby and Kettering.“

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “We are now all faced with a continuing upward trend in the infection rate, coupled with an emerging situation at Greencore UK Northampton, which means we need to urgently and collectively take action now across the county to prevent further spread of the virus.

“We urge all of you to continue the safe practices we recommend in the weekly surveillance report, not only in the workplace but also out in the communities you live in.

“It is also essential that if you are 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 better able we are to understand what is driving the increase in cases and how best to reduce the onward spread of the virus.

“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 and also self-isolate if required.”

“This week residents in Northampton, Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering are being asked to act now and follow local guidance to protect the local community and reduce transmission rates.

• 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

Tests can be booked online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Home

testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.”