COVID-19: Seaton records first coronavirus-related death since summer

Seaton recorded its first coronavirus-related death since summer last month, according to the latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS updated its figures this week to show all deaths caused by COVID-19 from March to December 2020 for each area across the country.

One COVID-19 death was recorded in Seaton in December, bringing its total for the year to 13, with seven having been recorded in April, three in May, one in June and one in August.

In nearby Axminster there was an alarming eight deaths recorded in December, bringing the town's total coronavirus-related deaths to 18 with others recorded in April and May.

Across Devon and Cornwall, December was the second deadliest month of the coronavirus pandemic, but still saw less than half the deaths of April.

COVID-19 case numbers across the two counties did decrease last week, with 4,390 new cases confirmed compared to 5,120 new cases the previous week.

The latest figures on case numbers show there were eight COVID cases in Seaton in the seven days up until January 13, a decrease of seven on the previous week and still well below the national average case rate.

In neighbouring areas, Axminster has 12 cases, a decrease of three on the previous week; Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme has 19 cases, an increase of seven; Sibury, Offwell and Beer has less than three cases; and Lyme Regis, Charmouth and the Marshwood Vale has 30 cases, an increase of seven.