South West visitors must make Covid contingency plans this bank holiday, say health officials
There's concern this bank holiday weekend could lead to another surge in infections
Last updated 28th Aug 2021
Health officials are concerned this bank holiday weekend could lead to another surge in coronavirus infections across the South West.
That's what we've heard during a media briefing with officials from Public Health England (PHE).
Our region already has the highest coronavirus infection rates in the country, which has been largely blamed on summer visitors bringing the virus with them now all restrictions have eased.
On Friday (August 27th), it was announced that Cornwall and Devon are being designated as 'Enhanced Response Areas' for coronavirus.
Professor Mike Wade is PHE's Deputy Regional Director and NHS Regional Director of Public Health.
"If you look at the rate of infection in the last four to six weeks, they've been increasing," he said.
"I think they have escalated and rapidly over the last couple of weeks, which is a reflection of the seasonal swell (of visitors) that we've experienced in a lot of parts of the South West."
Across the whole region the current infection rate sites at 461 per 100-thousand people, which is the highest nationally.
In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly the rate is far higher even than that at 718.3 per 100,000.
Torbay's is at 649.7 while's wider Devon's is 587.
The rates remain high further north in the region, with Somerset's at 462.7 and Bristol's at 438.5. Gloucester's rate is at 401.7.
"We can see that the highest rates in the region are in our most popular holiday and visitor destinations," Professor Wade continues.
"When we look at the data on settings where people report where they were and where they were most likely exposed to the infection, entertainment, hospitality, recreation settings are the most often reported."
With all this in mind, visitors and locals alike are being urged to be extra careful this bank holiday weekend.
"Covid-19 has not gone on holiday," Professor Wade said.
"With a bank holiday weekend upon us and day trippers, holiday makers, they need to protect themselves and others from Covid-19.
"So visitors should take a lateral flow test before travelling and if positive they should stay at home and get a PCR test.
"If people have got symptoms they shouldn't be travelling, they shouldn't be visiting either as a day tripper or on holiday.
"They need to stay home and get that PCR test. Their close contacts should be encouraged to get a PCR test as well."
For those that do come to the region, the message is make a contingency plan for if you catch coronavirus while doing all you can to avoid it.
"They need to avoid queuing where possible, so pre-booking to eat, for the activities they want to do, is really important.
"We also want visitors to think about what they'd do if they became unwell while visiting.
"So, would someone know how to get a PCR test, is somebody in a position to self isolate if they're away from home?
"Can they get home safely and without exposing other members of the public?"
Everyone is also being urged to continue wearing face masks in public and if meeting friends, to meet them outdoors.
"Health and social care is under pressure and we will be over the weekend," Professor Wade said.
If you become unwell, do not call 999 unless it is a genuine life threatening emergency.