Covid infections rise in every Leicestershire district

Data published by the county council this afternoon (Wednesday) shows that, for the week ending October 10, every district in the county, including Melton borough, now has rates of over 100 cases for every 100,000 people.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire, said: “Our drive is no longer around highlighting ‘hot-spots’ and targeting specific parts of Leicestershire – this is now around everyone being extra vigilant.”

Rates for Oadby & Wigston (178.8 cases per 100,000 population) and Charnwood (154.4 per 100,000) are above the national average of 150.1 per 100,000.

Melton borough has a relatively low number of cases - 50 were reported in the week to October 10 which is an increase on 14 from the previous week - but the infection rate is now 101.8 per 100,000 population.

The rate is now higher than Hinckley and Bosworth, the same as North West Leicestershire but lower than Blaby (117.5) and Harborough (117.8).

Mr Sandys added: “We’ve got cases rising everywhere in the county, and we now know that, based on the most recent data over the past few days, Charnwood has the highest rate.

“We need to work together to control the virus – that’s through social distancing, wearing a face mask and washing your hands.

“It’s also about encouraging people, whether they’re on the school run, travelling to work or education, in the office or going out for a drink, to change their behaviour.”

The latest data also shows that higher infection rates are now being seen in young people aged 16 to 24.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, which includes villages such as East Goscote, Queniborough and Syston, said: The increase in the number of cases is very concerning and should serve as a stark reminder to everyone in the borough that we cannot switch off and that we all have a role to play in tackling this pandemic.

“We’ll continue to work with Leicestershire County Council, Public Health England, and other agencies to help keep our communities safe.

“We will also continue to support the university which has taken significant steps to minimise transmission of the virus and protect students, staff and local communities.”

The county council, along with the NHS, local authorities, Leicestershire Police, universities and LeicesterShire and Rutland Sport, last week launched a new ‘it’s down to us’ campaign.

The initiative includes:

***Posters and banners for pubs – reminding customers to wear a face covering

***‘Shop safe’ posters for businesses

***Posters for sports clubs

***Social media posts urging parents to take care at the school gates