The latest COVID-19 status report for Cumbria has been published. The weekly report sets out key statistics relating COVID-19 infections in the county.
It can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread
This week’s report shows a smaller number of new COVID-19 cases in Cumbria than the preceding week, down from 55 to 41. Despite a very high number of people being tested following recent outbreaks in Carlisle and Eden, both districts also saw a reduction in the number of new cases.
However, the number of new positive cases in Carlisle and Eden is higher than other areas in Cumbria and the rate of cases per 100,000 in Eden remains high compared to the rest of Cumbria, but not compared to other areas of concern in the North West.
Other districts in the county continue to experience very low levels of new infections.
The local multi-agency Health Protection Board is closely monitoring the situation and is proactively contact tracing known cases. In the last week local contact tracing teams have been involved in 32 incidents, tracing 137 contacts.
There is no change to the local public health advice.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “The numbers of new cases in Carlisle and Eden were a concern. That’s why we are extremely grateful to everyone who followed our advice and got tested. What we can now see, from the low number of new cases identified, is that there does not appear to have been widespread transmission of the virus as a result of the visits to local pubs by people who were infectious. This is good news but we continue to monitor closely.
“It is also very clear that the virus is still circulating and being passed between local people in the community, so we must not think that the risk has gone away. Only by continued vigilance and following the basic public health guidance will we prevent the number of people being infected growing again.
“For anyone heading for a night out this weekend I’d ask you just to do the basics – social distancing as far as possible, wash your hands regularly and make sure you provide contact details to any venues you visit. If you are getting a taxi we would also advise you to wear a mask or face covering.”
The key public health messages remain:
- Wash or sanitise hands regularly
- Observe social distancing rules
- Wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces
- If you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested
- Follow advice to self-isolate if asked
Testing is available in Carlisle at Brunton Park until Sunday 2 August from 10am to 3pm and then again on Wednesday 5 August and Thursday 6 August. Testing is also available at Penrith Rugby Club seven days a week. People can book a test at: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
Home testing kits can also be ordered via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
NHS staff should arrange testing via their employer.
Testing is also available in Annan and Gretna. Tests can be booked at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/arrange-a-test/
Anyone who tests positive is being asked to contact our COVID-19 call centre on 0800 783 1968.
