■ TOWN IN TOP 10 FOR INFECTIONS
REMINDER FOR Y0UNG PEOPLE TO TAKE TESTS
THE spread of coronavirus among young people has catapulted a part of Leicestershire into the top 10 worst areas for infections in England.
Melton is currently ranked eighth in the national league table for seven-day incidence rates with infection levels at 52.7 cases per 100,000 people.
Public health officials are worried about transmission of Covid-19 between 17 and 21-year-olds.
The rate in Melton for the age group is 302.9 per 100,000 people – the highest anywhere across the county.
The average infection rate across Leicestershire stands at 21.2 per 100,000, below the national figure of 23.0.
County director of public health Mike Sandys said: “Although we’re still looking at relatively small numbers – around 30 cases over a sevenday period – this is shifting Melton up the rankings.”
He has issued an urgent reminder to secondary age pupils to ensure they take their twice-weekly rapid
We’re working with pubs, clubs and colleges to ensure they are taking the necessary measures
Mike Sandys
tests at home and, if they test positive, to ensure they stay at home and isolate.
Mr Sandys said: “We’re looking more closely into the detail behind the figures, although we’re pretty clear around the affected age groups.
“We’re also working with pubs, sports clubs and colleges to ensure they are taking all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“It is vitally important that the basics around hand washing and social distancing are followed – both in school and when you are out and about.”
Latest figures also show that the areas in Melton with the highest rates – across all ages – include Asfordby, Frisby-on-the-Wreake, Old Dalby, Bottesford, Harby and Croxton Kerrial.
Councillor Joe Orson, leader of Melton Borough Council, said: “While we’re all eager to return to normality, we must always consider the health of those around us.
“We need to ensure we are adhering to the guidelines, particularly as restrictions begin to ease and that includes regular testing and taking up the vaccine when it is offered.
“Though these distressing times remain, we can protect one another and, as a community, work together to reverse this trend.”
People across the county are also being encouraged to: take up the offer of a vaccine when it’s offered to you –people in their 30s are now being invited in many areas of the UK; the government has also announced that the over-50s and people who are clinically vulnerable should receive their second doses eight weeks after the first, rather than 12 weeks; if you have symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, get a test to check if you have coronavirus; get a rapid Covid test if you can’t work from home, even if you don’t have symptoms and avoid car sharing, if you can, or take extra safety precautions.