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New cases of Covid-19 in Cumbria are skyrocketing with more than 10,000 new cases registered in a week.
For the week ending December 31, 10,367 new cases were registered, an increase of 5,701 or 122% from the previous week of 4,666 new cases.
The current rate is three times higher than the previous peak in January 2021.
READ MORE:Cumbria Covid cases have never been higher after huge Christmas celebrations
Rates in all districts except Eden were also above the national average rate, which was 1,625 cases per 100,000 people, according to data released by Public Health England.
For the week ending January 4, the number of new patients admitted to Cumbria hospital with a positive Covid-19 status increased by 22 compared to the previous week.
The average number of Covid-19 patients in county hospital beds also increased by 75 from the previous week.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health for Cumbria, said: “The speed at which Covid is spreading in Cumbria and indeed the rest of the UK is truly alarming at this time.
“Fortunately, it looks like this variant is milder than the previous ones, but the focus now needs to be on protecting our NHS and our care services.
“That’s why we all need to be incredibly careful over the next few weeks and reduce the number of cases. Continue to get tested regularly and isolate yourself if you test positive. Keep your distance from others as much as possible. Wash your hands regularly and wear face masks in busy public areas.
“Also, make sure you get your first, second or booster shots as soon as possible. If you have not yet received your first or second vaccine, it is not too late. No one will judge you or ask you why, but book it now.
For the week ending December 31, Barrow-in-Furness recorded the highest rate of new cases, followed by Copeland, with 2,936 cases per 100,000 people and 2,930 cases per 100,000 people respectively.
Allerdale, Barrow-in-Furness and Copeland were above the regional average. The average for the Northwest was 2,089 cases per 100,000 population.
Peter Rooney, COO of North Cumbria CCG, said: “As everyone knows there are extremely high levels of covid circulating in our communities, parts of Cumbria have the highest levels in the country . This has a significant impact on the staffing of all of our health and care services.
“It’s important for people to know that the NHS is there for you if you need help, especially those who need it urgently, like a suspected stroke, chest pain or concerns about cancer. But we’re urging people to consider using 111 online for less urgent health concerns, and understand the pressures on staff to do their best under difficult circumstances.
“We also urge friends and relatives of particularly vulnerable people to ensure they are well taken care of.”
During the week of December 24, 2021, there were two COVID-19 related deaths in Cumbria.
Dr Geoff Jolliffe, Clinical Chairman of the Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Many general practitioner practices in our region are currently facing unprecedented pressure due to a significant staff shortage.
“For now, all of our practices remain open and reachable through the usual channels – however, we ask patients to use the full range of services available in the community, such as pharmacies for minor ailments and illnesses.
“Although the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our region, we are determined to keep as many of the care services planned to catch up with the Covid-19 backlog in operation, so if anyone has an appointment for an assessment or a diagnostic procedure, or other treatment, it is important that they attend.
“Many patients have symptoms that they would normally associate with common respiratory tract infections, such as headache, sore throat, runny nose and cough – these should be considered possible Covid and you should undergo PCR test as soon as possible. Please don’t ignore it and then continue as usual.
“If you need an appointment with a GP, please note that the staff work under considerable pressure and remember to be patient and kind. “
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