Cases treble since start of the month
10-FOLD RISE FROM SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS cases in Leicestershire have risen ten-fold since early September.
A report, presented to the county council’s cabinet on Tuesday, revealed Covid-19 cases have also trebled since the beginning of this month, after a short period where they began to stabilise.
Director of public health Mike Sandys said the “rapid increase” in cases has “stretched to the limit the council’s ability to control it”.
He said: “Of concern has been the widespread increase across the county in October. Up to that time, the county position was largely characterised by low levels, with occasional hotspots in areas like Oadby and Wigston.
“Although containing community outbreaks, such as occurred in Oadby and Wigston in September, was beyond the remit of local authority-led outbreak control plans, the council was able to work with partner organisations to bring rates under control through deploying testing, engagement with the community, enforcement and communication.
“As of October 14, admissions due to Covid-19 into the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust remain low compared with other areas, but are beginning to rise.
“Rates of cases in the over-60s are currently half that of the national average. While a second wave affecting Leicestershire is inevitable, and largely is already here, it is not inevitable it spreads into vulnerable populations and that deaths grow exponentially as cases have.
“As crucial as it is to stop the spread, it is just as vital to limit the harm caused to the most vulnerable populations.”
The report also makes reference to the county council’s It’s down to us campaign.
The campaign is designed to reinforce the role everyone can play in doing the right things to help stop the spread and will run alongside the government’s “hands, face, space” message.
There were 291 new cases confirmed across the county on Tuesday. The county – except for Oadby and Wigston – remains a medium risk area with tier 1 restrictions in place.
Oadby and Wigston is in the high