COVID-19: Case numbers start to drop across Devon

In line with the national picture, COVID-19 cases have fallen in every part of Devon over the past week, except in Torridge.

In the latest seven-day period (up to July 25) cases fell by 2,335 across the county, a drop of almost 35 per cent on the previous week.

Plymouth had the largest fall, with new cases declining by almost half, from 2,549 to 1,344.

The previous week, the city saw numbers rocket by 1,126 (85 per cent), taking cases per 100,000 to 935, nearly three times (188 per cent) higher than the national average at that time.

Mid Devon recorded a similar drop with new cases falling by 135 (41 per cent).

In Torridge, cases increased with the area recording 209 new cases, 19 more than the previous week. But the rate of Torridge's increase is more promising; in the previous week, cases rose by more than 145 per cent.

Overall, new COVID infections dropped by a quarter (23 per cent) across Devon's district councils, which means everywhere except Plymouth and Torbay, although this is behind one-third drop nationally (33 per cent).

Hospitalisations

Forty-five patients were admitted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with COVID in the seven days up to Sunday, July 25, the latest date for which figures are available. This is 12 more than the previous week.

In Exeter, 29 patients were admitted to the RD&E, also 12 more than the previous week.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs several hospitals in the area, admitted 11 new COVID patients, while Torbay Hospital admitted 14.

Deaths

Two people died in Devon this week as Torridge registered its first deaths within 28 days of a positive test for more than five months.

The number of people who have died within 28 days of a positive COVID test since the pandemic began is 1,048 in Devon, including 206 in Plymouth and 156 in Torbay.

A total of 129,583 people have now died within 28 days of a positive COVID test in the UK, a rise of 439 in the last seven days.

Vaccinations

As of July 28, 87 per cent of adults in the Devon County Council area have now had their first dose of a vaccine, with 72 per cent having both.

In Torbay, 85 per cent of adults have had their first jab while nearly 73% have had both doses.

The gap in the number of adults who have had both their first and second doses in Plymouth fell slightly this week, narrowing by two per cent. The numbers are now sitting at 82 per cent and 65 per cent respectively.

The UK total is currently at 88 per cent for one dose and 72 per cent for both doses. A total of 84,737,932 jabs have now been given across the country.

Cases in Seaton area

Coronavirus cases in the Seaton area have also started to drop again.

In the seven-day period up until July 27, there were 6 confirmed cases in Axminster, an decrease of 5 on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people is 214.6.

Figures for surrounding areas were as follows:

Axminster – 20 (increase of 2)

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 18 (increase of 4)

Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 15 (decrease of 5)

Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 10 (decrease of 3)

Sidmouth Town – 6 (decrease of 4)

Sidmouth Sidford – 17 (increase of 3)

Honiton South & West – 12 (decrease of 7)

Honiton North & East – 8 (decrease of 13)

Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 6 (same as previous week)

Chard West – 10 (decrease of 8)

Chard North & East – fewer than three cases (in small areas with fewer than three cases, full date is not given as to protect the identity of individuals)

Tatworth & Combe St Nicholas – 14 (same as previous week)