Only two areas in Cornwall remain Covid 'cluster free' as cases rise
Over 18,200 have now tested positive for coronavirus in Cornwall since the pandemic began
Last updated 12th Jul 2021
There are currently only two areas in Cornwall which are not classified as coronavirus 'cluster' areas.
According to the latest government data, only St Neot & St Cleer and Poundstock and Kilkhampton have had fewer than three cases over the last seven days.
The figures, which show cases up until 6th July, show Perranporth & Goonhavern, Newquay West and Falmouth East currently have the highest number of Covid cases.
It comes as hundreds of further cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus have been recorded in Cornwall over the last week.
But the UK Health Security Agency said the sharp increase in cases across England is not being followed by a similar increase in hospitalisation and death.
Public Health England figures show 953 cases of the Delta variant – first identified in India – had been recorded in Cornwall by July 7.
That was 406 more than the 547 cases recorded the week before.
Those identified in the latest week were among 9,383 cases of the variant recorded across the South West – the eighth-worst affected of England's nine regions.
PHE said the Delta variant currently accounts for around 99% of cases that are sequenced in the UK.
"The data continues to show that the sharp increase in cases that we are seeing is not being followed by a similar increase in hospitalisation and death.
"This is because two doses of the available vaccines offer a high level of protection against the Delta variant.
"Getting both jabs is the best way to ensure you and the people you love remain safe, so we once again urge everyone to come forward as soon as they are eligible."
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UKHSA
Different PHE figures show that up to June 21, the majority of people admitted to hospital with the Delta variant in England were unvaccinated – around three-quarters of those under 50, and a third of those aged 50 and above.
As of June 21, there had been 257 deaths in England of people who were confirmed as having this strain of coronavirus and who died within 28 days of a positive test.
Dr Harries added: "As we approach the planned end of restrictions, we must remain cautious and careful.
"Cases are rising across the country, and whilst the vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not offer 100% protection.
"Be sensible, and follow ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times and make sure to get tested if required."
As of Friday (9th July) Public Health England figures showed that 18,214 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly since the pandemic began.
The health body recently changed the way it records the figures.
Cases identified through a positive lateral flow test – those which can deliver results within half an hour – will no longer be counted if the person then takes a PCR test, which is sent to a lab to be checked, and receives a negative result within three days.
These cases are now being removed daily.
The rate of infection in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly now stands at 3,185 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 7,805.
Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 35,200 over the period, to 5,058,093.
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly's cases were among the 259,198 recorded across the South West, a figure which rose by 2,511 over the period.
Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, have recovered and those that have died.