Every area of county nears critical infection levels

■The most dependable way of tracking infections across the county is by analysing case rates, which are several days removed to allow for figures to settle. The most recent available statistics are for the week October 11-17. They show the number of cases per 100,000 people in Derbyshire districts, followed by the number of cases confirmed in each area during that time. For comparison, the national average case rate is 102 per 100,000 people.

EVERY area of Derbyshire now has Covid infection rates approaching those districts already under local lockdown.

Bolsover now has the same or a higher rate of new infections as Erewash, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire had when it was announced they were to enter Tier 2 restrictions.

It is followed closely by Derby, South Derbyshire and Amber Valley, all of which already have case rates higher than Tier 2, and Chesterfield which has 143 cases per 100,000 people.

There are now three parts of the county that have case rates of more than 200 per 100,000 people, North East Derbyshire (205), High Peak (222) and Erewash (224).

The latest statistics show there were 1,830 new cases in Derbyshire in the week October 11-17, which is up from 1,448 the previous week and double the number two weeks previous (905).

Under Tier 2, you cannot meet different households indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

However, it may be the case that Chesterfield was only put into restrictions due to the North East Derbyshire District Council area that largely surrounds it being plunged into local Tier 2 lockdown.

Alongside this, Erewash and the High Peak have a higher rate of cases than a quarter of the areas of Nottinghamshire that are set to be plunged into Tier 3 restrictions.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The incidence rate is one of a set of considerations around whether to impose or release restrictions.

“Decisions are made in close consultation with local leaders and public health experts, informed by the latest evidence from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, NHS Test and Trace, Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer for England.”

Derbyshire’s public health director, Dean Wallace, has often said that other factors such as poverty rates, number of care home beds and a concentration of manufacturing and distribution jobs, which can’t be carried out from home, also play a key role.

The announcements on Tuesday and yesterday that Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire will be plunged into the most severe tier three restrictions from Friday and Saturday respectively will also hit the county hard.

Under Tier 3, different households cannot meet up outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens, as well as indoors. Guidance for travel is restricted to only essential trips and pubs and bars not serving meals will be closed.

Derbyshire residents living in areas bordering Greater Manchester or South Yorkshire will continue to be allowed to travel into both Tier 3 areas for work and education but are being strongly advised to avoid all but essential travel.

SOCIAL CONTACT: You cannot meet anyone outside your household or support bubble indoors. This applies at home or in a public setting. Rule of six limits apply outdoors.

PUBS AND RESTAURANTS: Hospitality venues have a 10pm curfew and table service only.

SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND CHILDCARE: Remain open in all circumstances, but universities can do more online learning.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT: There are no restrictions on travel but you are advised to minimise the number of journeys you make.

WORK: The advice is to work from home if you can. WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS: 15

guests can attend marriage ceremonies and receptions. Funerals can have up to 30 mourners, with only 15 people allowed at the wake.

SHOPS: All retail - including non-essential shops - can stay open.

GYMS, HAIRDRESSERS, PUBLIC FACILITIES: These can stay open.

SPORTS: Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided rule of six is observed

LENGTH OF TIME: Areas will be reviewed every 14 days, the regulations will be reviewed every 28 days and expire after 6 months.