Omicron variant of COVID-19 now identified in Devon

COVID-19 cases have fallen across much of Devon, after weeks of infections going up.

However, Devon's director of public health has urged caution as the first cases of the new Omicron variant have been confirmed in the county, with reports that it may be more transmissible than the Delta variant.

Figures for the week to December 9 show rates in Torbay and Devon County Council both fell by just under 15 per cent, but Plymouth's went up 13 per cent.

However, the county continues to have higher rates of COVID than the national average of 514 cases per 100,000 people. Devon and Torbay's figures now stand at just over 600, while Plymouth's is considerably higher at 865.

In the northern part of Devon, previously the most infectious area, cases have gone down significantly over the past week.

Both Torridge and North Devon recorded falls of over a quarter, bringing rates closer to the county average.

Elsewhere at district level, Mid Devon and Teignbridge both had reductions in cases of more than 20 per cent. East Devon and Exeter registered single-figure percentage falls.

The most infectious district remains the South Hams, despite a small drop of just 13 cases. Its infection rate is 822 cases per 100,000 people.

West Devon saw cases increase by just under 10 per cent.

Omicron now identified in Devon

The figures come as the first confirmed cases of Omicron  were confirmed in Devon.

Steve Brown, the county's director of public health, said none of these were linked to foreign travel.

He added in a statement: "It was only going to be a matter of time before we saw the first Omicron cases in Devon, so this does not come as a surprise.

"It will take a while before we have real world data to understand the full characteristics of the Omicron variant, but early indicators do seem to suggest that it is more transmissible than the Delta variant.

"We do expect to see the numbers of confirmed Omicron cases rise in Devon over coming weeks, and it is likely to overtake the Delta virus to become the dominant strain across the country.

"We are monitoring the data very closely and will continue to take appropriate measures to curb transmission where we see outbreak situations."

Mr Brown is due to update Devon's council leaders on the situation on Thursday, December 16.

Health officials are encouraging all those eligible to take up the vaccination programme, with the Prime Minister announcing on Sunday that all those aged 18 and over should be offered their booster jab before Christmas.

Click here for details on how to get your booster jab.

COVID-19 cases in the Seaton area

COVID-19 cases in the Seaton have started to drop again after spiking in recent weeks, making the town one of the worst affected small areas in the country.

In the seven-day period up until December 9, there were 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Axminster, a drop of 23 on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 713.9 – still well above the national average of 514 but now more in line with much of Devon.

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

Axminster – 67 (decrease of 26)

Kilmington, Colyton & Uplyme – 50 (increase of 1)

Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale – 35 (increase of 11)

Sidbury, Offwell & Beer – 15 (decrease of 11)

Sidmouth Town – 14 (increase of 2)

Sidmouth Sidford – 43 (increase of 20)

Ottery St Mary & West Hill – 32 (decrease of 18)

Honiton South & West – 11 (increase of 1)

Honiton North & East – 15 (decrease of 3)

Dunkeswell, Upottery & Stockland – 20 (decrease of 14)

Chard West – 20 (no change)

Chard North & East – 25 (decrease of 19)

You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at coronavirus.data.gov.uk