Spike in Melton Covid cases for under 40s

Alicia Kearns, who represents Rutland and Melton, said the spike in infections was isolated to just the town and there was no evidence to link it to children returning to schools in the last fortnight following a relaxing of some lockdown restrictions.

Resident aged under 40 are encouraged to get tested if they cannot work from home or are in regular contact with a child or young person in education, even if they do not have any symptoms of coronavirus.

Mrs Kearns said this morning (Friday): “It’s troubling to see an increase in cases in Melton Town but my message is simple: if you are under 40-years-old and can’t work from home, or have regular contact with children or young people in education, it is your duty to get tested.

“Even if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 it’s quick and easy.”

Latest figures show there were 62 cases - an increase of 40 new cases - in the borough for the week to March 14.

Infection rate is 121 per 100,000 population compared to the England average of 45.

More than 2,500 people in the borough have tested positive since the start of the pandemic and 110 residents have sadly passed away with the virus.

Appointments can be made at the Burton Street car park coronavirus testing centre, if you have symptoms, or at the Polish Club test venue, on Sandy Lane, of you do not have symptoms but are a keyworker or deemed vulnerable.

Go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/book-a-test-if-you-have-symptoms to book a test if you have a symptoms or www.leicestershire.gov.uk/covidtest to book a rapid result test at the Polish Club.