'Devon is not expecting any local lockdown measures at this moment'
Devon is not in line for further lockdown measures at the moment, according to the county's public health director - but she worries with entire year groups being sent home it's adding pressures on teachers.
Last updated 8th Oct 2020
Dr Virginia Pearson has today been giving an update on the latest coronavirus response.
Devon has seen 549 confirmed cases in the week to October 6, with 44 in Torbay and 70 in Plymouth nd 104 in Cornwall.
The infection rate in Devon was today described as 68.4%, as a posed to a national rate of 98.3%, while Exeter's rate is 299.8% - based largely on the student population.
Today's meeting heard that 'swift action' was taken at the university and a mobile testing capacity has been 'increased phenomenally'.
Across the Devon County Council area there's 437 pupils being taught at home, with nine schools currently sending home year groups or bubbles.
Across the council area 15 schools have been forced to take Covid action and send pupils home.
Today's meeting heard it's putting extra pressure on teachers who now need to provide home education lessons, as well as real-time classroom classes.
The meeting also heard that heating costs have increased because schools are having to keep windows open for ventilation while ensuring classrooms are properly heated.
It heard the director of public health makes the decision on whether visiting could be allowed in care homes - which it currently is locally.
Devon has 330 care homes with 8,500 people in them and of which 2,500 fall under the council's responsibility.
Exeter University confirmed it is offering regular welfare support - including with mental health - for students with the virus.
Dr Virginia Pearson, Director of Public Health Devon, said: “Exeter has seen a recent sharp spike in cases, most of which are in the University student population.
"The outbreak is currently contained, and so Exeter is not in the territory for broad lockdown within the city at this time.
“What’s happening in Exeter is not unexpected and has been planned for. Exeter is now experiencing what is being seen elsewhere in universities across the country.
“We are tracking positive cases constantly to be able to respond quickly, through daily meetings with the University of Exeter, Exeter College, Public Health England, Exeter City Council and the Police.
“The University has a comprehensive set of measures in place to reduce transmission among its student and staff population, and their planning has enabled early visibility of the issue and enabled a swift response.
“Other partner agencies are also working hard in the city and in communities across the county to support local businesses to continue to meet the national restrictions.
“More broadly, the county of Devon has been very successful so far in keeping the number of confirmed cases low, with levels remaining quite steady despite the cases in Exeter.
“However, it is a changing situation and we cannot for one moment become complacent."