THOUSANDS OF NEW COVID CASES

A FURTHER 2,426 cases of coronavirus were recorded across Devon in the week to January 18, according to figures released at the weekend.

The information released by the Government shows that a further 1,293 positive tests were confirmed in the Devon County Council area, along with 841 more in Plymouth and 292 in Torbay.

Ogwell, Mile End and Teigngrace, near Newton Abbot, reported more positive tests than any other area in that time, with 50.

Elsewhere, there were increases of 38 in Tavistock, 31 in Ivybridge, 31 in Mincinglake and Beacon Heath, and 29 in St Thomas West.

Over the seven-day period, the highest infection rate was also recorded in Ogwell, Mile End and Teigngrace, with 596.1 cases per 100,000 people.

This was followed by rates of 441.7 in Mincinglake and Beacon Heath, 439 in Newton Abbot, Highweek, and 398.6 in St Thomas West.

In Cornwall there were a further 1,348 cases of Covid-19 recorded in the same period.

Helston reported more positive tests than any other area, with 59.

Elsewhere, there were increases of 51 in Penzance Quay, 40 in both Penzance North and Camborne East, and 39 in Truro West.

Over the seven-day period, the highest infection rate was Penzance Quay, with 766.8 cases per 100,000 people. This was followed by rates of 485.2 in Helston, 482.9 in Penzance North, and 466.7 in Camborne East.

Nationwide, there were an additional 610 deaths recorded yesterday of people who had tested positive within the previous 28 days. The total number of deaths by that measure now stands at 97,939.