Cumbrian COVID cases fall for second week running

Cases of COVID-19 in Cumbria fell for the second week in a row as 4281 new cases were recorded in the county – a decrease of 959 or 18% (compared to 5,240 new cases the week previous).

Carlisle had the greatest number of new cases (+1,233 new cases) and the highest rate of new cases (1,136 new cases per 100k population).

Rates in all districts except Carlisle were below the national and regional average rates (England 993 and North West 877 cases per 100k population).

The 5-11 age group had the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria (933 new cases) and the highest rate of new cases in Cumbria (2513 new cases per 100k population).

In the week ending Tuesday 25 January, the number of new patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 Positive status in Cumbria decreased by 11 compared to the previous week. While the average number of patients with COVID-19 in hospital beds in the county decreased by 46 compared to the previous week.

Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said: “Thankfully the number of covid cases in our county is continuing to fall, but to put this in context, we’ve still recorded one of our highest weekly case numbers of the pandemic.

“It’s not all doom and gloom though. Case rates are coming down and the number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID is also coming down.

“Let’s keep it going though. The government announced last week that you will not be required to wear a face covering from today (27 January 2022), including in communal areas of schools. However, this doesn’t mean we should all stop taking precautions.

“I’d still strongly recommend wearing a face covering whenever you’re meeting other people – especially in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.”

For the latest information on COVID-19 guidance and how to stay safe, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

The full COVID-19 situation report can be found at cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.