Western Morning News (Saturday)
Lockdown fears as virus cases rise
National warning as Covid cases and ‘R’ number in South West increase
BORIS Johnson has not ruled out a third national lockdown amid rising rates of coronavirus, as health chiefs warn of the toll on frontline staff and services from festive mixing.
The Prime Minister said rates of infection have increased “very much in the last few weeks”, as pressure grows on the Government to do more to tackle the rise. Northern Ireland and Wales are bracing for lockdowns in the days after Christmas, and a senior emergency medicine doctor said the rest of the UK must do “whatever it takes” to get infections under control. Mr Johnson said: “We’re hoping very much that we will be able to avoid anything like that. But the reality is that the rates of infection have increased very much in the last few weeks.”
Cases in Devon and Cornwall have risen in recent days and latest figures reveal there were 243 patients across Devon and Cornwall in hospital after a positive Covid-19 test.
The South West’s Covid-19 ‘R’ rate – which represents how many people each infected person passes the virus onto – has increased in the latest figures. Data published yesterday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies estimates the region’s R number to be between 0.9 and 1.2, up from last week’s figure of between 0.8 and 1. It is one of the lower R rates in the country.
PEOPLE in Cornwall are being encouraged to ditch traditional New Year celebrations and wait to celebrate Midsummer’s Day instead.
The suggestion was made by Visit Cornwall chief Malcolm Bell who said it would be better to wait until the summer for celebrations.
Mr Bell said: “There is a long tunnel ahead but there is light at the end of it. Let’s maybe celebrate Midsummer this year instead of New Year.
“Just be careful this New Year and think about celebrating Midsummer instead.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall director of public health, said that it was important that if celebrating New Year people stick to guidelines.
She said: “If we remain in Tier One you will be able to celebrate under the rule of six. You can go to pubs and restaurants as a group of six. But pubs and restaurants will be closing at 11pm – there will be no extension to that. We don’t want people hanging around in the streets after pubs have closed.
“See out midnight in your own homes. There will be no organised fireworks.”
Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council, said that Covid street marshals would be patrolling on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, working with the police to ensure people are safe.
He said: “We will be working in those areas, like St Ives and a number of others, where there are traditional gatherings on those dates.
“Covid marshals have been working closely with the police and will continue to do so.”
Cllr German said he wanted to make sure residents “are aware of the dangers and potentially passing on the virus” by gathering in large groups.
He added: “We are very close to the wide rollout of the vaccine, let’s not take the risk now, let’s enjoy those gatherings later on in the year.
“We will be out, the police will be out as well but we are appealing to residents not to have those celebrations this year. Have the bigger celebrations later on next year.
“Next year has the potential to be a really special year after all the challenges we have faced this year.”
Meanwhile, Torbay’s public health director has warned Devon is facing a ‘bleak’ January if Covid cases increase.
Dr Caroline Dimond said Torbay was in a “fairly good position” but was seeing cases flatten and possibly begin to rise after coming out of lockdown. The director warned that people needed to keep complying with hygiene and social distancing measures to control the spread of the virus.
Dr Dimond said that Torbay Hospital was still under pressure and there was still a lot of winter to get through. The director told members of Torbay’s health and wellbeing board on Thursday: “It is likely we will see another wave in January. January could be bleak. It is far from over. We do need to keep vigilant.”
Torbay along with the rest of Devon has remained in Tier 2 following a review announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock this week, while Cornwall remains in Tier 1.
Devon MPs have said they are disappointed that the county hasn’t moved into Tier 1, but that the data on infections wouldn’t have supported a relaxing of restrictions. While cases in the county had been falling during the second lockdown, numbers have begun to rise in recent days, with the infection rate for Devon now back to 86.1 per 100,000, although it varies significantly across the county with East Devon, Exeter and North Devon over the 100 per 100,000 mark, while the South Hams are at 29.9.
Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, said: “Many people will be disappointed by this, given our Covid rates and Covid hospitalisations have been low and falling.”
Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, said: “I am disappointed but not surprised by the lack of tier movement for Teignbridge and other areas in South Devon. It is vital that the rollout of the vaccine programme in Devon is successful.”
Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon said: “Unfortunately the data on infections does support Devon staying in Tier 2. Key now is for us all to follow the guidance carefully especially over the Christmas period while the government continues to roll out the vaccination program as quickly as possible.”
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, added: “Following the latest review, Devon will sadly stay in Tier 2. Cases are rising and the RD&E is under severe strain due to staff sickness. The Nightingale is helping to relieve pressure.”
Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay, said: “Of course I am disappointed that the rates are not quite there in terms of Tier 1 but given the rates in the rest of Devon, particularly Plymouth and Exeter, and the levels of movement between them and Bay, the right decision has been taken.”