Cornwall and Devon designated as ‘Enhanced Response Areas’ amid surge in Covid rates
The government is providing extra resources to try and help bring down our high numbers of coronavirus cases
Last updated 28th Aug 2021
It has been announced that Cornwall and Devon are going to get extra support to try to help bring down Covid cases.
Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council Torbay Council and Council of the Isles of Scilly have been designated 'Enhanced Response Areas'.
That means they will get extra resources to assist with the vaccine rollout, testing capacity and contact tracing, and reinforced messaging.
The measure will come into force on Monday and last for five weeks, in the wake of the surge in coronavirus case rates.
Data for the week to last Saturday (August 22nd) shows Cornwall's coronavirus case rate to be 828.5 per 100,000 people and Devon's to be 622.0 per 100,000 people.
The Enhanced Response Area support includes:
Logistical support to maximise vaccine and testing uptake
Further help for local public health campaigns
Temporary use of face coverings in communal areas outside classrooms in secondary schools and colleges
Increased surveillance using multiple methods to monitor the situation.
What does Enhanced Response Area mean?
The Enhanced Response Area package will help local councils with support measures for education settings and increased national communications support, clearly outlining the continued risks of Covid-19 and the need to take personal action, such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.
Additionally, Cornwall will have prioritised access to Wastewater testing, sequencing and national contact tracing capacity.
The enhanced response package is a short-term measure. Areas designated as enhanced response will automatically roll off after five weeks of receiving the enhanced support.
A review will be conducted at week four to determine whether the automatic roll off at week five is appropriate, or if the measures should continue.
The decision has been made in partnership with local authorities and is based on the latest data and local insights. Targeted additional support will be provided in response to the growth of COVID-19 cases in the region, while NHS pressures and the number of cases and deaths will be carefully monitored.
Local residents and visitors to the areas are urged to remain cautious and follow the national guidance, including to get vaccinated, wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport, meet outdoors where possible, let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces, and consider minimising the number, proximity and duration of social interactions.
Public Health England data shows that the vaccination programme has substantially weakened the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths. Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms and even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from the virus.
Truro and Falmouth’s Member of Parliament Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I have been working with my Cornwall MP colleagues over the past few weeks to put the case to the Government for further support for Cornwall following the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in Cornwall and I am pleased to see these supporting measures coming forward.
“Cornwall’s Public Health team have been doing an excellent job of dealing with the current situation and this is in no way a reflection on their work; this is further support to help with messaging, provide more walk-in vaccine clinics and tracing work.
“What this is not is another lockdown and it is important to stress that this is not the case. Our excellent vaccine programme has broken the link between infection and hospitalisation and it is also important to note that the vast majority of hospitalisations are sadly for people who have not had the vaccine. I encourage everyone to continue to be cautious, get your vaccine, and practice good hygiene to stop the spread of COVID-19".
Cornwall Councillor Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health, said: “We support the move to designate Cornwall an ERA.
“Cornwall and the South West continue to see rising case numbers due to the relaxation of restrictions, the ease with which the Delta variant can spread, and soaring visitor numbers.
“This comes at a time when the health and social care system is under considerable pressure, so we welcome any extra support that might help reduce case numbers and ease that burden.
“We would also urge anyone thinking of visiting Cornwall to book ahead and test regularly before they make the journey down. If you test positive or have Covid symptoms, please postpone your trip.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, added: “It is absolutely crucial that residents and visitors alike continue to take precautions and remain Covid-aware.
“Get both jabs as soon as you can as this not only protects yourself but also diminishes the virus’s ability to spread. If you have Covid symptoms then isolate immediately and book a PCR test. If you have no symptoms, please continue to test twice a week with rapid Lateral Flow Tests which are available for free from pharmacies or can be delivered to your home.
“We would also strongly advise people to do the things we already know help stop the spread of the virus. That means wearing a face covering in crowded areas, indoors or on public transport, keeping your distance from other people where possible, and washing or sanitising your hands regularly".