Covid cases in Cumbria double during worst week ever
The county recorded a 130% increase in new COVID-19 infections in the week ending 24 December.
Cumbria recorded a 130% increase in new COVID-19 infections in the week ending 24 December, up from 1,961 to 4,520, according to the county council.
It says this is the highest ever recorded number of infections in the county, more than 1,000 more than the previous high in January 2021.
All districts in the county saw significant increases, with cases in Barrow almost quadrupling. The overall infection rate in the county remined below regional and national averages, however.
A total of 72 people were being cared for in hospital across the county’s two NHS Trusts in week ending 29 December, up from 51 the previous week.
The full COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.
Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said:
“We’ve never seen cases this high, and irrespective of how severely people are being affected, the impact from people being unable to attend work, because of illness or self-isolation, is being felt across the county, not least in the NHS and social care. We are seeing serious staff shortages which are creating real problems for the delivery of care and treatment.
“I am concerned this is going to get worse unless further action is taken, and I would really urge people to take sensible steps to limit the risk of catching the virus or passing it on. We all know what we can do; avoid crowds, wear a mask, wash hands, ventilate indoor spaces, get tested if you have symptoms or before you meet with people, and of course get vaccinated.”