'If we carry on like we are and don't follow the rules it's very likely we'll move up the tiers by Christmas'
The behaviour of some locals, not tourists, is to blame for rising Covid-19 cases in Torbay - and the area's public health director believes Torbay could be placed into Tier 3 by Christmas unless more people start acting responsibly.
Last updated 26th Oct 2020
Torbay's Public Health Director Caroline Dimond has issued a warning, dispelling what she says is the myth that holiday-makers are largely to blame for a rise in local infections.
She's urging people to appreciate the Covid risk locally and not act as though 'it's something up north'.
She said: "No, we didn't see a rise over the Summer. We looked at whether there were any cases that might have come from elsewhere and there were very, very few - hardly any.
"It's because, probably, people visiting went into those secure environments - whether it was a hotel, or a B&B and a restaurant.
"All the processes were there and they tend not to mix with other people on holiday because they don't know anybody.
"I don't think at all it was tourists or people visiting that caused this.
"In the main it's been people socialising with friends and family outside of workplaces and venues - maybe in people's houses it seems to be more that, people forgetting I think.
"Forgetting that there's Covid out there, thinking there isn't Covid in Torbay because we're not like the North - and maybe they don't need to be quite as careful."
When asked what she thinks will happen at Christmas, Ms Dimond said: "I think, again, it's up to all of us.
"If we carry on like we are and don't follow the rules it's very likely that we'll also be moving up those tiers into the high and then the very high level - yes, absolutely by Christmas."
As of October 23, Torbay had a Covid case rate of 107.9 per 100,000 population (147 cases) for the week ending October 20 - up from 94.7 on October 13 and 49.2 on October 6.
Officials from Torbay Council point out: "It should be noted that given the relatively small numbers involved, a couple of outbreaks can have a dramatic effect on the case rate.
"There are a wide range of settings involved including schools, care homes, hotel/entertainment venues, pubs and restaurants. There is not a particular type of setting that dominates the cases.
"Since August 1 the largest proportion of cases have occurred in those aged 16 to 39. During August and September, approximately 50% of cases related to that age group. During October, this proportion has fallen to 42% and during the last seven days it has fallen to 37% of cases."
Across Torbay one person was recorded as dying from Covid-19 in the week October 3-9.
For the very latest official Torbay Covid-19 numbers and advice from Torbay Council click here