North West Leicestershire the 11th highest region in England for Covid Cases

Infections have risen by nearly a quarter in the last week with a similar rate seen in those over 60.

The county council's public health team said they are leading a coordinated response, along with the district council , to find out what's happening and take swift action to prevent further rises.

The figures show 239.4 coronavirus infections per 100,000 people - that's a 23.4% increase on this time last week.

Infection rates are highest in areas around Coalville, in particular Snibston, Hugglescote and Bardon, as well as parts of Ibstock and Castle Donington. A spokesperson for North West Leicestershire council told Fosse107 that these residents will hear about hotspot testing, 'in the coming days.'

Mike Sandys, director of public health said, "Worryingly in Leicestershire, we're not seeing cases continuing to fall as far or as fast as other areas. The numbers have been plateauing in most areas and in some - like the north west of the county and parts of Charnwood - we're seeing concerning increases.
 
"There aren't any large outbreaks - but we are seeing more cases related to people in their workplace than elsewhere."

All warehousing and distribution premises have received a visit from a COVID compliance officer and key workers in the area are being offered regular rapid tests to flush out cases without symptoms. 

1.9% of rapid tests are coming back positive - which is higher than the county average of 1.2% (over 10,000 tests have been carried out)  - while 10% of tests are showing as positive among people with symptoms. 

Rapid testing appointments for asymptomatic people are available at seven sites across the county, with Swannington Village Hall being the closest to Coalville. 

The other sites are:

• Harborough Leisure Centre (Bowls Hall), LE16 9HF
• Westfield Community Centre, Hinckley. LE10 0LN
• Gorse Covert Community Centre, Loughborough, LE11 4RZ
• Polish Club, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0AN
• Blaby and District Social Centre. LE8 4GQ
• Wigston Fields Ward. Freer Centre. LE18 1HQ