Investigations start into rising cases in two areas

PUBLIC health bosses say they are investigating what has driven a rise in coronavirus infections in two parts of Leicestershire.

County Hall officials said Covid-19 rates in Loughborough and Thurmaston are particularly high and have recently pushed the Charnwood seven-day incidence figure above 200 cases per 100,000 people.

In Thurmaston the latest rolling seven-day rate is 263 cases per 100,000 people.

In the Shelthorpe and Woodthorpe area of Loughborough it is 473.2 cases per 100,000 people.

The national average infection rate stands at 118.3 cases per 100,000.

The county council’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, pictured, asked residents to remain vigilant.

He said: “The national focus this week has been on a roadmap pointing the way to recovery, but the rate rise in Charnwood is another indicator that there’s no room for complacency.

“What’s not entirely clear at this stage is what is driving the higher rate so we’re looking at the detail to establish any factors behind the rise in cases.

“One of the approaches we’re taking is to target the hotspot areas and people will receive a leaflet through their door asking them to stay alert.

“I would urge all Charnwood residents to stay vigilant, remembering the watchwords around ‘hands, face, space’ and to stay at home unless you have to go out for an essential reason.”

People are being encouraged to take up the offer of a vaccine when offered.

Those aged 64 or over, those who have received a letter saying they are at high risk from coronavirus and eligible frontline health and social care workers can book an appointment via:

nhs.uk If people have symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to the sense of taste or smell, they should get a test to check if they have coronavirus.

Other advice includes:

■■Get a rapid Covid-19 test if you cannot work from home, even if you do not have symptoms;

■■Take extra care on public transport or in supermarkets;

■■Avoid car sharing, if you can, or take extra safety precautions.

CURVE and De Montfort University have joined forces for a Pride event.

To mark Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month, the university’s annual Pride events are taking place virtually, with a series of talks, networking sessions and quizzes for staff, students and members of the public.

As part of the programme, the university, threatre and Emmerson and Ward are presenting Conversations, a premiere digital production by writer and performer Rob Ward.

Directed by Julia Thomas, the new drama “takes a fresh look at the challenges of 2020 and the new battle lines drawn in the fight for LGBT equality:

It is available to stream until today.

Throughout spring, professional teams at Curve will work with performing arts students to stage Federico Garcia Lorca’s poetic tragedy Blood Wedding.

Directed by Jennifer Lane Baker, Blood Wedding will be staged remotely by a company of drama students from the university.

It will be recorded and available to stream online from May 27 to 31.