NO plans to put Norfolk into lockdown, health bosses say

But things are constantly under review

Powersharing returned in early January 2020 when Sinn Fein and the DUP agreed to lead another coalition together. Six weeks later, the first Covid-19 case was confirmed.
Author: Beth PriddingPublished 30th Oct 2020

Health bosses in Norfolk say there are NO plans for the county to be put into lockdown.

The comments come after more than 170 people tested positive at Cranswick Foods in Watton - giving Breckland a rate of 171 cases per 100,000 people.

The rate per 100,000 people is now at 89 - from 59 the previous week - and health bosses are working hard to find ways to curb the spread.

Leader of Norfolk County Council, Andrew Proctor, says it's always under review, though.

"We're not actively discussing restrictions. What we do know is that all of the information that we get from Public Health and from businesses and residents - all that data has got to be kept under constant review.

"The response that we're doing to COVID-19 isn't just about tackling outbreaks, it's also about how we support vulnerable people and our communities who are suffering hardship, due to the economic impact and the impending rise in unemployment."

But Norfolk's health boss thinks hospitals will be able to cope with a second wave of COVID much better than earlier this year.

Dr Louise Smith, director of Public Health in the county, says much more is now known about the virus than in the summer months.

She's also said there are currently less people being taken into intensive care units with the virus at the moment.

She said:

"At this stage, we are not seeing the numbers being admitted into intensive care in quiet the same way as before.

"It's early days to really know what we're seeing but we do think we're seeing early indications that hospitals are able to treat people better, with the learning that's been gained from treating people."