Plymouth starting to 'turn the tide' against third wave of Covid-19
The rate of positive cases has started to fall in recent days
Plymouth is starting to “turn the tide” against the third wave of Covid-19, councillors were told.
But people have been warned that the rate of cases has not been falling as quickly as hoped and they must keep following hygiene measures and lockdown rules.
Plymouth’s director of public health Ruth Harrell said the rate of positive cases in the city had started to fall in recent days after rising as expected during the start of the latest lockdown.
The figure for Monday was 269 positive cases per 100,000 population, similar to the regional rate and below the national figure of around 400.
Councillors were told on Monday that there were coronavirus outbreaks at 20 care homes in the city, with singel cases at a further five, affecting more than 120 residents and more than 140 staff.
Dr Harrell said while the infection rate appeared to be falling, cases were still at a high level and it was vital to carry on with the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ hygiene measures as well as staying at home where possible.
The director warned the pandemic was putting “considerable pressure” on Derriford Hospital, which had around 100 patients with the virus, and was causing a knock-on effect for patients needing other treatment.
Dr Harrell said the infection rate in the city had not fallen as quickly as hoped, probably due to the presence in the city of the new variant of Covid-19 which spread more quickly than the original form of the virus.
"This is not a surprise, it is inevitable really that it was going to spread, and I suspect that is what we are seeing. We are now seeing our rates fall, and I hope this is the start of a positive story for us. We are starting to turn the tide, but we just have to keep going."
Dr Ruth Harrell - Plymouth's Director of Public Health
In response to a question about large numbers of people using Central Park, the public health director said it was important that people stayed at home and did not gather in parks. They should exercise in gardens if they could, leaving the parks for families who did not have enough space at home.
She said most people were complying with the rules, but described people driving to see the snow on Dartmoor as “a ridiculous thing to do”, warning that it was too far to travel and risked an accident.
"We need everybody to do their best, not just for the sake of the city, but also for their families and friends who are at risk if they catch this horrendous virus."
Tudor Evans - Leader of Plymouth City Council
Cabinet member for health Kate Taylor said the city council and care provider Livewell Southwest were opening a second care hotel with 35 rooms this week for patients leaving hospital ahead of returning home as a “step-down” measure to ease pressure on the NHS.
The councillor reported coronavirus outbreaks at 20 care homes, with a single case in a further five, affecting more than 120 residents and 140 staff. The council was supporting the sector including with PPE and infection control help and advice.
Cllr Taylor said that despite the measures, it was no surprise that coronavirus was affecting care homes in Plymouth, as it had in other areas, because the virus was in the community.
A mass vaccination centre has now opened in Plymouth, in the Mayflower Stand at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium.