People urged to 'remain vigilant' following coronavirus outbreaks at two care homes in Devon
The Director of Public Health in Devon, Steve Brown says they're a 'reminder of how infectious this virus is'
The Director of Public Health in Devon is reminding the public to "remain vigilant" following coronavirus outbreaks in two care homes in the county this week.
Steve Brown says they're a "reminder of how infectious this virus is", adding that cases in Devon may still be low in comparison to the rest of the country, but the county is still seeing outbreaks in some settings.
“We are working very closely with those homes to make sure residents and staff are safe, to control the outbreaks, and to reduce the risk of further transmission.
“Coronavirus is still a very infectious virus, and cases like this are a reminder of how important it is for us still to remain vigilant and to take every precaution to prevent its further spread.”
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health, Devon
In a message this week Mr Brown also applauded pupils, schools and colleges for the significant number of students using the rapid, lateral flow tests.
“We’ve seen a high rate of pupils returning, and really good uptake by them taking the lateral flow test,” he said.
“With more people taking the test, we are likely to identify positive cases. Therefore we are going to see an increase.
“This is a good thing. We’re picking up people who have no symptoms, who if they weren’t tested could go on to transmit the virus to other people.”
Steve Brown
Mr Brown again encouraged families of people who have children in school to take up the lateral flow tests.
Details of how to access the tests are available here.
Case rates in Devon are continuing to fall, although the rate of decline has slowed over recent weeks.
Positive cases are currently highest in those aged 80 and over, with rates slightly higher in East Devon.