Rates of coronavirus fall in Norfolk
It's down for a second week
Overall rates of coronavirus in Norfolk fall for second week but public urged to remain cautious as Norfolk enters Tier 2
Rates of coronavirus in Norfolk have fallen for a second consecutive week but people are being urged to remain cautious, with rates still increasing in some parts of the county.
Norfolk is now in Tier 2 of the national Covid alert system - the high-risk category. This means that people can meet in groups of up to six outside their homes but there cannot be any mixing of households anywhere indoors, with the exception of support bubbles. There are also limits on how businesses operate, particularly pubs which can only open if they serve substantial meals.
Over the last week the county has seen the seven-day incidence of the virus fall from 112 per 100k on November 20 to 94 per 100,000 for the week ending November 27. The areas with the highest rates are Broadland (125) and Norwich (122). There has also been a slight increase in the incidence rate among those over 60s - up from 70 per 100,000 to 74. There are currently 182 people with the virus in hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney.
With national restrictions lifted earlier this week, people across Norfolk are being urged to exercise caution ahead of the weekend.
Diane Steiner, Deputy Director of Public Health for Norfolk, said:
"It is encouraging that rates of the virus overall in Norfolk continue to fall but we need to remain cautious because the virus can spread quickly if we let our guard down.
"Rates of the virus are increasing in some parts of the county and we are not yet seeing a sustained fall in the over 60s, who are at particular risk of the virus. We all remember the surge in activity that saw a rise in cases pre-lockdown and we must be careful to prevent that happening again, even with Tier 2 restrictions.
"I know people will be keen to see each other again and to go out and enjoy the beginning of the festive season but we need to keep working together to keep rates of the virus down - that means keeping to the tier two restrictions, keeping our distance from others when we're out and about, covering our faces and washing our hands. This is essential if we want rates to continue to fall in the run-up to Christmas."
Rates of the virus in Broadland and North Norfolk have risen slightly this week. This is mostly linked to known situations, outbreaks and clusters of cases but there is also evidence of some wider community transmission.
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council and Chair of the Local Engagement Board, said:
"There has been lots of good news about knocking the virus back this week - with approval of the first vaccine and a decline in the rate of the virus. It's beginning to feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel but we are not there yet meaning now is not the time to relax.
"The people of Norfolk have worked so hard to keep each other safe. We need to keep that going over the coming weeks to continue to bring rates of the virus down further. It would be a further boost for people in Norfolk and the economy if we could come step down to Tier 1 when the current levels are reviewed in a fortnight. The government will be looking closely at the data and how our hospitals are coping before making any decisions.
"We know that the impact of the virus on those in the county has been huge and some people are finding it hard to get by as a result. That's why this week we've launched our Covid winter support scheme to help those who might be struggling with buying food, or paying their bills.
"The scheme can help with holiday school meal vouchers, food boxes, toiletries and day-to-day living costs. No one should be cold or hungry this winter so please get in touch if you're struggling because we are here to help."
Information about the Covid Winter Support Scheme is available online.
Statistics
The seven-day incidence rate per district in Norfolk to November 27 (figures in brackets are for the week to November 20):
Breckland: 62 (79)
Broadland: 125 (90)
Great Yarmouth: 74 (106)
King's Lynn and West Norfolk: 86 (145)
North Norfolk: 85 (68)
Norwich: 122 (130)
South Norfolk: 99 (152).
Outbreaks:
Agencies across the county continue to offer support to care homes, schools and workplaces where there are outbreaks, as well as supporting individuals who are asked to isolate.
Current outbreaks by setting type:
Care providers: 55 (56)
Businesses: 26 (24)
Education: 25 (22)