We are still at a "tipping point" over rise in Covid-19 cases, warns Northamptonshire health boss

Official figures will show 785 Northamptonshire residents tested positive with Covid-19 in a single week when the county council and Public Health officials hold their weekly press briefing on Friday.

Data from October 12 to October 18 October shows the latest spike in cases, up from 723 the week before.

The county continues to be placed in Tier One as medium risk in the national Covid-19 alert system but positive cases have quadrupled in the last month and the latest week's figures are likely to increase even further.

Most concern surrounds the rise in positive cases among the over-60s age group tends to be at greater risk.

Nine people have died after a positive Covid-19 test or had the virus mentioned on their death certificate in the last 2-and-a-half weeks at Northamptonshire's two acute hospitals.

Residents will again be warned 'Just because you can, doesn't mean you should,' in a bid to curb a further rapid rise.

And parents and carers are being urged to 'be firm this half term' and meet to play outside in the park instead of private gardens, not to mix households or have sleepovers.

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, will today's press briefing: "The county continues to be at a tipping point to elevate from medium alert in Level One into Level Two, high alert.

DONT' FORGET You can follow the latest weekly coronavirus media briefing on the Chronicle & Echo's live blog HERE"Local evidence shows spread is within and between households so logic dictates that if we don't mix, we don't spread!

"We are asking all mums, dads and carers of children to stop and think - 'Be firm this half-term' and make this half-term holiday a natural circuit breaker. Meet and play outside in the park instead of private gardens and get together outside in the daytime instead of sleepovers!

"Just because we are still allowed to mix households – it really doesn't mean we should. So act now to protect yourself, your children, your parents and friends from the virus and avoid stricter restrictions and a local lockdown."

If you have Covid-19 symptoms — a high temperature, continuous cough or loss of or change in sense of smell or taste — then you should self-isolate and book a test. Pre-booking is essential.

If you test positive, you must self-isolate for ten days and the rest of your household for 14 days. Do not go to your workplace, to school 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.

Tests can be booked online, on the Test and Trace app, or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.​