COVID-19: Cases continue to drop across Devon but infection rate remains high

COVID-19 infection rates have fallen across most of Devon for the second week running, reflecting national trends.

In the week up to November 7, 5,165 new cases were reported in Devon, which is 15 per cent (789) fewer than in the previous week.

However, levels remain well above the UK average. The average infection rate across Devon is now at 420 per 100,000 of the population, compared with the national average of 350.

The Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, saw 3,548 new infections, 10 per cent (372) fewer than the previous week. The infection rate across its seven districts is now 438 per 100,000.

Torbay had the largest proportional drop of any council area, recording 585 new cases, 167 – or 22 per cent – fewer than the previous week. The infection rate in the bay is now 430 per 100,000 of the population.

Plymouth also saw a 20 per cent fall in new cases, recording 1,032 fewer cases than the previous week. The infection rate is the same as Torbay's at 430 per 100,000.

The only council areas to see a rise in cases were North Devon and Torridge. North Devon recorded 525 cases, up nine per cent (43 cases). The infection rate remains high, at 535 per 100,000.

Torridge's infection rate jumped slightly, rising by two per cent. The area had 298 cases, five more than the previous week, and now has an infection rate of 434 per 100,000.

Hospitalisations

Figures up to November 2 show there were 129 COVID-19 patients in the county's hospitals – a rise of 11 on the previous week's total.

Of the total in hospital, 51 were at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, 43 at the Royal Devon & Exeter, 22 in Torbay, 11 in North Devon and two at Devon Partnership mental health trust sites.

Of the total number of patients, 11 were on mechanical ventilation beds.

Deaths

Coronavirus-related deaths have decreased slightly, though figures remain high compared to recent months.

Fourteen people died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test across Devon in the most recent complete seven-day period up to November 7.

Eleven people died with COVID-19 in the Devon County Council area, three in Torbay and none in Plymouth.

Across Devon, a total of 1,305 people have now died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Vaccinations

Eighty-six per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, with 80 per cent receiving both doses.

In Plymouth, 82 per cent have had one dose, while 75 per cent have had both.

In Torbay, 84 per cent have received one dose and  78 per cent both.

This means that vaccination rates in Devon remain slightly behind the rest of the UK.

Across the country, 88 per cent of people aged 12 and over have had one dose, while 80 per cent have had both jabs.

Boris Johnson has warned of "the storm clouds gathering over parts of the European continent" as infections rise across many neighbouring countries.

He added: "What I'm saying today is that the urgency of getting that booster jab is more evident than ever.

"If we don't do it fast enough, we can see the potential risks to the state of the pandemic in what's happening in other parts of Europe."

Coronavirus cases in the Seaton area

COVID-19 cases in the Seaton area have increased slightly according to the latest figures, and the case rate remains well above the national average.

In the seven-day period up until November 9, there were 37 cases in the Seaton area, an increase of three on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 489.2, compared to the national average of 350.

The figures for neighbouring areas up until November 9 were as follows:

Axminster – 51 (decrease of 20)

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 32 (decrease of 15)

Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 20 (decrease of 19)

Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 24 (decrease of 1)

Sidmouth Town – 11 (decrease of 12)

Sidmouth Sidford – 22 (decrease of 13)

Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 30 (decrease of 25)

Honiton South & West – 21 (decrease of 15)

Honiton North & East – 26 (increase of 1)

Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 17 (decrease of 23)

Chard West – 11 (decrease of 22)

Chard North & East – 23 (decrease of 35)

Tatworth & Combe St Nicholas – 13 (decrease of 23)