"Take action now" - Health boss concerned over rising Covid infections across Leicestershire

Case rates in the county have doubled over the last week.

Figures have risen above the national average after jumping from 15.2 to 38 for every 100,000 people.

Rates have also more than trebled in Blaby District (57.1 cases per 100,000 population) in the last seven days. This compares to a national average of 32.4 per 100,000 people.

Mike Sandys, county council director of public health, said the increase is being driven by people mixing more. The numbers are particularly high for those in their 30s, and children and young adults.

These groups have had comparatively fewer vaccines, with children not being vaccinated at all against Covid. Many of those who have had the jab will not have had enough time for it to work at its most effective. 

The Government has said they were expecting case rates to rise as lockdown is relaxed.

In Hinckley and Bosworth, case rates have also been rising but remain below the UK average. Deaths are also close to zero in the borough and indeed across the county.

But Mike said: “The picture in Leicestershire has worsened quickly and we could be in for a bumpy ride if we don’t take action now.

“We are seeing rises – particularly in children and young people and those in their 30s. This is driven by people mixing more and we’re seeing a number of cases connected to barbecues and parties. And also because like the rest of the country, the more transmissible delta variant is the dominant strain in Leicestershire."

The vaccine roll-out has continued at pace however, with Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland passing one million jabs given. This along with lockdown, has dramatically reduced case numbers since January. 

The Pfizer vaccine has also been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for 12 to 15-year-olds.

Mike added:

“We’re in a better position compared to the start of the year. I know it’s been a tough 15 months but the pandemic isn’t over. If you’re getting together with friends and family, take care, make sure you’re doing the right thing by meeting up sensibly, and crucially, take the opportunity to get vaccinated.”

Find out how you can get a vaccine here.