Covid-19 Virus cases creeping back up in region
NEARLY 150 people tested positive for coronavirus in Bristol in the most recent daily figures, according to the latest government figures.
The data – released on Boxing Day afternoon – showed a daily rise of 144 cases in Bristol, taking the total number of positive Covid-19 tests recorded in the city to 17,818.
South Gloucestershire experienced a daily rise of 114 cases – taking the total to 7,959 – while 48 positive tests were recorded in North Somerset, which brings the area’s total number of cases to 5,284.
The deaths of two more people from coronavirus in Bristol have been confirmed since Christmas Eve, taking the total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test to 252.
Five coronavirus-related deaths have been registered in South Gloucestershire since Christmas Eve – including one in the past 24 hours. This takes the total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test in the area to 221.
North Somerset has recorded two coronavirus deaths since Christmas Eve, which brings the total in the area to 183.
The government data also shows Bristol had a case rate of 181.1 per 100,000 after 839 cases were confirmed in the seven days to December 21 – the latest available data.
In comparison, South Gloucestershire’s case rate was at 194.7 after 555 cases were recorded in the same time period.
North Somerset had the region’s highest rate at 200.9 after 432 positive tests were confirmed in the seven days to December 21.
Across the Bristol region, there are three areas with a case rate higher than 400 cases per 100,000, which places them in the second highest category in the government map.
They are Weston Hillside (40 cases, rate 433.4) and the two Bradley Stoke neighbourhoods, Bradley Stoke North East (50 cases, rate 485.2) and Bradley Stoke Central (56 cases, rate 496.1).
From early November to early December, the vast majority of local areas in Bristol, Weston and South Gloucestershire had case rates over 400.
The deaths of eight people from coronavirus in the Bristol area were confirmed in the 24 hours up to the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
Bristol and North Somerset moved back into the second strictest level of restrictions, Tier 3, on Boxing Day. South Gloucestershire also remains in Tier 3 but Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) is in Tier 2.