Health officials closely monitoring Wellingborough after increasing coronavirus rates

Health officials announced today (Friday) that they are closely monitoring rates of coronavirus in Wellingborough after increasing trends over the last few days.

There are now 342 confirmed coronavirus cases in Wellingborough, with a rate of 430.3 cases per 100,000 people.

The rate is similar to the county and country averages, but health officials are keeping a close watch after noticing an increasing trend over recent days.

Public health information released today shows three new cases confirmed between July 20 and July 26.

The worst affected wards in the Wellingborough borough are Victoria and Isebrook, which has 58 confirmed cases, and Wellingborough Central, which has 50.

Just five days ago, officials said they were closely monitoring Kettering and Corby and today residents of Corby were told to take action now to avoid going into local lockdown.

Cllr Tom Beattie, Labour leader of Corby Council, said: "It is disappointing that Corby is in this position, but it is important now to remain positive and continue to follow the government’s guidance closely to avoid a local lockdown.

"All residents are urged to wear their face covering when entering shops, wash hands thoroughly and if you have symptoms, even if they are mild, please ensure you get tested and self-isolate if necessary."

The situation is also serious in Kettering - health officials confirmed today that a local testing site in the town would be in place until further notice.

The rate of 590.5 cases per 100,000 people in Kettering is significantly higher than both the county and national averages.

Concerns about the coronavirus situation in Northamptonshire means public health officials have paused all multi-team sports gatherings and tournaments across the county until further notice and restricting visiting times to residents of care homes.

Officials are also remining residents during the festival of Eid to maintain social distancing and stick to the rules of no more than two households together.

Public health officials say they have not pinpointed the cause for increasing coronavirus cases yet but believe car sharing and not social distancing outside of work could be contributing to the situation.

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