COVID-19 figures have shot up across Devon, reflecting a surge in infections around the country, bringing UK cases to their highest level since mid-January.

In the week up to October 17, 5,726 new infections were recorded in Devon – 20 per cent more than in the previous week.

The infection rate is now 460 per 100,000 of the population, slightly lower than the UK average which has spiked in the last seven-day period, reaching 465 infections per 100,000.

Every Devon council area apart from Exeter saw a rise in cases. In Mid Devon infections have sky-rocketed by 72 per cent, with 527 new cases – 221 more than the previous week – bringing the rate to 633 per 100,000 of the population.

In contrast, 438 infections were reported in Exeter, nine fewer than the previous week. The two per cent dip takes the infection rate in the city to 329 per 100,000.

Overall, 3,908 cases were recorded in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay. That's a rise of 783 cases, or 25 per cent, on the previous week. The infection rate is now 482 per 100,000.

Plymouth saw cases rise by 10 per cent, with 1,231 infection, 107 more than the week before. The rate in the city is now at 468 per 100,000 people.

Torbay recorded 587 cases, 44 more than the previous week. The eight per cent rise takes the infection rate to 431 per 100,000.

Hospitalisations

The rise in COVID-19 cases has led to an increase in the number of people being treated in Devon's hospitals by 30.

As of October 12, there were 108 COVID-19 patients in the county's hospitals; 40 of which were at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, 34 at the Royal Devon & Exeter, 18 in Torbay, 15 in North Devon and one at the Devon Partnership mental health trust site.

Of the total number of patients, 10 were in mechanical ventilation beds.

Devon's Clinical Commissioning Group expects the number of hospital patients to continue rising as cases in the community increase.

On October 22, it was reported d that 810 NHS staff in Devon are off work because of COVID-19, accounting for almost one in three NHS staff absences, up from just over one in five at the beginning of the month.

[H2[Deaths[.H2]

Eighteen more people have died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test across Devon.

Fourteen were in the Devon County Council area and three in Torbay. One person died in Plymouth.

Across Devon, a total of 1,269 people have now died within 28 days of a positive COVID test since the start of the pandemic.

Vaccinations

Eighty-four per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, with 79 per cent receiving both doses.

In Plymouth, 81 per cent have had one dose, while 74 per cent have had both.

In Torbay, 82 per cent have received one dose, while 77 per cent have had both jabs.

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

Across the country, 86 per cent of people aged 12 and over in the country have had one dose, while 79 per cent have had both jabs.

Thousands more people in Devon could soon receive their third jab. The government is under pressure to reduce the gap between second and third vaccinations from six months to protect more people from the spike in infections across the country.

Children aged between 12 and 15 can now book jabs through the national booking system. Locations taking children are: Home Park, Plymouth; Greendale Vaccination Centre, Exeter; English Riviera Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, and Barnstaple Leisure Centre.

COVID cases in the Seaton area

COVID-19 cases in the Seaton area have also continued to increase, according to the latest figures, although not as sharply as in other neighbouring areas.

In the seven-day period up until October 19, there were 36 cases in the Seaton area, an increase of nine on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 475.9 – slightly above the national average of 465.

All neighbouring areas have also seen increases in infections.

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme remains one of the worst affected local areas, with cases having risen to 95 in the seven day period up until October 19. The case rate per 100,000 people is now 1,130.7.

The figures for neighbouring areas up until October 19 were as follows:

Axminster – 73 (increase of 46)

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 95 (increase of 40)

Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 67 (increase of 33)

Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 31 (increase of 4)

Sidmouth Town – 16 (increase of 7)

Sidmouth Sidford – 48 (increase of 13)

Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 78 (increase of 17)

Honiton South & West – 56 (increase of 22)

Honiton North & East – 41 (no change from previous week)

Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 50 (increase of 33)

Chard West – 53 (increase of 39)

Chard North & East – 53 (increase of 27)

Tatworth & Combe St Nicholas – 59 (increase of 35)