Covid case rate in Newquay 'has been twice as high' as other areas of Cornwall
Residents and visitors are being urged to stay Covid-aware
Residents and visitors in Newquay are being asked to stay Covid-aware as cases remain high.
Cornwall Council says recent statistics show the case rate in the town has been at least twice as high as other areas of Cornwall.
The latest figures (seven-day period ending August 3rd) show Newquay to have 577.1 cases per 100,000 compared to 233.1 for Cornwall as a whole.
Public health officials say this is due to a combination of factors including the lifting of national restrictions and the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, as well as Newquay’s holiday destination status, the high number of visitors and the abundance of hospitality venues where people can mix.
This has all led to a sharp increase in community transmission, according to Cornwall Council’s Public Health team.
“We continue to work closely with Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and other organisations to make sure venues across the resort are as Covid-safe as possible.
“We would also urge people to get vaccinated as soon as they can and have been working closely with the NHS to put on extra vaccination clinics for Newquay.
“Additionally, we encourage the public to take regular Lateral Flow Tests, self-isolate when necessary and follow basic guidance such as regularly washing or sanitizing hands, wearing a mask indoors, in crowds or on public transport, and keeping your distance from others where possible.”
Ruth Goldstein, Deputy Director for Public Health
“The new relaxed restrictions have allowed people to socialise more and get out and about, which has been great for businesses and also for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
“But with this has come an increase in Covid cases and we just need to be careful that we don’t end up in another situation where restrictions or even lockdowns have to be reimposed to regain control.
“All we’re asking is that residents and visitors alike in Newquay are mindful that the virus is still out there and that they do whatever they can to stop it from spreading.”
Cllr Andy Virr, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health
For more information on the pandemic and the latest guidance visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.gov.uk/cornonavirus
For information on vaccinations and the locations of walk-in clinics visit the NHS Kernow website at www.kernowccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/