Number of patients with Covid in Cornwall's main hospitals rises to 171
Visiting has been suspended at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust for two weeks
Last updated 25th Mar 2022
The main hospitals in Cornwall are currently treating 171 patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.
The total has risen by 41 on the same time last week and visiting remains suspended at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust.
The Duchy is currently recording over 1,000 new cases of Covid per day - its highest ever level. That includes 1,254 in the 24hrs to Thursday 24th March.
However, Cornwall Council's Public Health Team says the actual total could be at least double that because fewer people are getting tested.
Officials are reminding people that coronavirus has not gone away and urge everyone to stay cautious.
Latest weekly figures show Cornwall recorded 8,167 new cases in the seven days to Saturday 19th March, giving us a case rate of 1,419.1 per 100,000 people.
Cornwall's Assistant Director of Public Health, Dr Ruth Goldstein, said: "At the moment we're getting over 1,000 new cases reported every day and we know that people aren't doing as much testing as they were; our testing has reduced quite dramatically so we know that'll be an underestimate.
"What we've got now is so much more out there - we know it will be at least double that".
Over 800 Covid related deaths have been registered in the Duchy since the pandemic began.
Data from the UK coronavirus daily dashboard shows there have been 17 over the past week.
Ruth Goldstein explains why we are seeing more deaths: "We don't really understand why but we think it's probably related to the fact that our case rates have rocketed and therefore we know we will always see a proportion of people who are more poorly with it.
"We don't think it's anything more sinister than a natural increase in the rates".
Cornwall Council's Public Health Team says that although restrictions have eased, it is still advisable to wear a face mask in crowded indoor public places.
People are still being urged to test regularly and report those test results, as well as getting their vaccinations and boosters.
Information about where to get your jab can be found on the NHS Kernow website.