Cornwall has highest number of new coronavirus cases across the south-west

Latest weekly figures from Public Health England show 826 people tested positive in the seven days to last Thursday (17th June)

Author: Emma HartPublished 23rd Jun 2021

The latest weekly figures from Public Health England show Cornwall has the highest number of new coronavirus cases across the south-west.

Data shows that in the seven days to last Thursday (17th June), 826 people had received at least one positive test result.

That is a rise of 571 (223.9%) and means the Duchy has a case rate of 144.5 per 100,000 people.

Parts of St Ives, Falmouth and Penryn and Newquay are among the worst-hit areas.

However officials have denied claims of a link between the G7 Summit and the rise in cases: Read more.

Public Health England's latest 24hr figures show as of 9am on Tuesday 22nd June, a further 89 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19.

That takes the total number of cases for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to 15,758 since the start of the pandemic.

You can check the latest weekly figures for Cornwall and the UK here.

Cornwall Council's Public Health Team is urging locals to get tested twice a week and stick to the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance to help slow the spread.

Officials say the Delta variant, first detected in India, makes up the majority of Cornwall's new cases of coronavirus.

Speaking last week, Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "We're asking anyone working in the hospitality industry to help themselves stay safe and protect their work colleagues by testing twice weekly using rapid lateral flow tests.

"While our case rate is still below the national average it has risen sharply. Now is the time to act to bring the rate back down.

"I would urge everyone to make twice-weekly testing part of their routine so we can identify cases even when people have no symptoms.

"Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are free of charge and can be picked up from your local pharmacy or ordered online".

Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth

On Friday 18th June, a new campaign was launched urging people to get their coronavirus vaccinations.

A surfer, chef and doctor are among the faces encouraging people across the Duchy to book their jabs, through 'Let's do it for Cornwall'.

Since December 2020, nearly 700,000 first and second doses of vaccine have been put into the arms of people living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“We’re proud of our successful vaccination programme – rates in Cornwall are amongst the highest in the UK. Thank you to our amazing staff and everyone who has stepped forward to have the vaccine to protect themselves, their friends, and their loved ones.

“Vaccination is a big part our way out of this pandemic and our return to normality. Please book your appointment as soon as you can so we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, and get on with our lives.”

Clinical Lead for Cornwall's Vaccination Centres, Iain Davidson

You can read more about the campaign and check how to book your vaccinations here.****