Devon covid down a quarter

Weekly figures continue to fall

Covid cases in Devon have fallen by a quarter in a week, continuing a downward trend in infections.

In the latest complete seven day period (to Sunday, 20 February), 6,735 new cases were reported, 2,304 fewer than the previous week. The 25 per cent fall takes the infection rate across Devon to 561 per 100,000 of the population, but that is still higher than the national average of 451.

The Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, recorded 4,438 cases, 24 per cent (1,410) fewer than last week. The 4,438 new cases take its infection rate to 547 per 100,000.

Plymouth has the highest infection rate in the county with 594 infections per 100,000. This is despite the city’s large decrease, recording 1,561 cases – 650 (29 per cent) fewer than the previous week.

Torbay’s 736 new infections represent a 25 per cent (248 cases) drop. The Bay’s infection rate is now 540 per 100,000. 

Hospitalisations

As of the most recent data (from Tuesday 22 February) 142 patients were in Devon’s hospitals with covid, 10 fewer than the previous week.

At 73, Plymouth has the highest number of people in hospital with covid. Elsewhere, 41 patients are in the RD&E in Exeter, while Torbay has 16 and north Devon 12. 

Out of the 142 patients, only one is in a mechanical ventilation bed.

Deaths

Fewer people died in the most recent complete seven-day period (to Sunday 20 February). Twelve people passed away within 28 days of a positive covid test across Devon, seven fewer than in the previous week.

Five people died in the Devon County Council area, four in Torbay and three in Plymouth.

Across Devon, a total of 1,603 people have now died within 28 days of a positive covid test.

Vaccinations

Eighty-eight per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, with 84 per cent receiving both doses. Seventy-one per cent have now had their ‘booster’ dose.

In Plymouth, 85 per cent have had one dose, while 80 per cent have had both. Sixty-one per cent have had the booster.

In Torbay, 86 per cent have received one dose, while 82 per cent have had both jabs. Sixty-six per cent have had their third vaccine.