Delta variant causing sharp rise in cases across Cumbria
New COVID-19 cases in Cumbria have increased sharply during the week ending 11 June with 197 new cases recorded, compared to 77 in the previous week - an increase of more than 150% in just 7 days.
The 19-24 age group accounted for the greatest rate of new cases in Cumbria (128 new cases per 100k population).
The latest weekly COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:
“COVID infections in Cumbria have increased sharply over the last few days as a result of the new Delta variant.
“We’re exploring all options that could help us bring this under control and see case rates moving in the right direction again. We’re currently in discussions with government and when we know more about what these measures will look like, we’ll let everyone know.
“Compared to other parts of the country, our case rates remain relatively low. However, the rate at which they’re increasing is causing concern.
“Thankfully, there were only a small number of hospital admissions which is a positive sign the vaccine programme is having an impact. However, we cannot take this for granted and if cases continue to rise at the current rate this will change.
“Until we know more about other measures we can introduce to help slow the spread, it’s increasingly important that people make sensible choices and follow the government guidelines.”
The current advice from Cumbria’s Public Health team is:
- Meet outside. It is safer as fresh air blows the COVID-19 particles away. If you do meet inside, open the windows where possible to let in fresh air.
- Take the vaccine when you are offered it. Vaccines significantly reduce the chances of catching COVID-19 and passing it on and of severe illness. Consider whether you and your loved ones are vaccinated and whether there has been time for the vaccine to take effect before being in close contact.
- Remember that some people are more vulnerable than others. The risks from COVID-19 and therefore of close contact are greater for some people. For example, you might choose not to have close contact with an elderly relative at this point, particularly if one or both of you are not vaccinated.
- Minimise how many people you're in close contact with, and for how long. The more people you are in close contact with the higher the chances of you catching or passing on COVID-19. Longer periods of close contact increase the risk of transmission but remember that even brief contact can spread COVID-19.
- Take a symptom-free COVID-19 lateral flow test twice a week as a precaution, and if you do test positive book a NHS (PCR) test to confirm it. If you do have symptoms, however mild, self-isolate and book an NHS (PCR) test immediately.
- Continue to wash your hands regularly.
- Make space for other people to maintain social distance if they want to.
- You must self-isolate if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (however mild) or test positive, and do not meet up with others during this time. This is essential to stop any transmission. If people don’t self-isolate, we will continue to see outbreaks in settings and in communities
