Appeal to public as rate high in district

HEALTH bosses are pleading with people in North West Leicestershire to stay at home as the Covid-19 infection rate remains stubbornly high.

The district is now ranked 11th out of all council areas when it comes to case rates for the virus.

There are currently 226 cases per 100,000 people in the area – though the rate is below the figure in Leicester at 254 per 100,000 – which puts it in fifth place nationally.

Rutland is in eighth place with a rate of 238.

Recent increases in the rate in North West Leicestershire are worrying council bosses, who are rolling out emergency testing in the area.

Overall, cases in the area have risen by almost a quarter in the past week.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, said: “We’re combing through the data to find out more about how the virus might be spreading – and why this area of North West Leicestershire is an outlier.

“We know testing is the key to tackling a hotspot, so we’re asking people in some areas of the district to come forward, even if they don’t have symptoms.

“They’ll receive a leaflet through the door with advice and instructions.

“In addition, we’ll be ramping up local advertising, writing to businesses and recruitment agencies and asking people to be extra vigilant – especially if they have to take public transport or car share to work.”

The latest data shows infection rates are highest in the areas surrounding Coalville, including Snibston, Hugglescote and Bardon, as well as parts of Ibstock and Castle Donington.

Of all rapid tests, 1.9 per cent are positive – higher than the county average of 1.2 per cent.