Devon covid shoots up again

Nearly 5,000 new infections

Covid figures have shot up across Devon, reflecting a surge in cases across the country which has brought the UK to its highest level since July.

In the week up to Sunday 10 October, 4,789 new infections were recorded across Devon – almost 900 (23 per cent) more than the previous week. The infection rate is now 403 per 100,000 of the population, higher than the UK average of 388 per 100,000.

Every council area saw a rise in cases, with Torbay one of the hardest hit. After having a decline in cases in the previous seven days, the Bay suffered one of the largest proportional increases in Devon, recording 542 cases, 53 per cent more than the previous week. The infection rate in Torbay is now 398 per 100,000.  

In Plymouth, cases rose by almost a quarter, with 1,122 new cases; 221 more than the previous week. The infection rate in the city is now 427 per 100,000.

The Devon County Council (DCC) area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, recorded 3.125 new cases, 330 (14 per cent) more than the previous week. The infection rate in the area is 386 per 100,000.

West Devon saw infections rise more than any other district in the county council area. Cases soared by almost 60 per cent, with 106 more than the previous week. The infection rate in West Devon is now the highest in the county at 517 per 100,000 of the population.

Hospitalisations 

As reported on Tuesday 12 October, the recent rise in case numbers in some parts of the county has led to an increase in people being treated for covid in Devon’s hospitals.

The latest figures (Tuesday, 5 October) show 78 covid patients in the county’s hospitals, 34 of which are at Derriford, 25 at the RD&E, 10 in Torbay, eight in North Devon and one at Devon Partnership mental health trust sites. Of the total number of patients, nine are on mechanical ventilation beds.

Deaths

Fifteen more people have died within 28 days of receiving a positive covid test across Devon. Nine were in the Devon County Council area and four in Torbay. Two deaths were recorded in Plymouth.

Across Devon, a total of 1,251 people have now died within 28 days of a positive covid deaths.

Vaccinations

Eighty-four per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, with 79 per cent receiving both doses.

In Plymouth, 80 percent have had one dose, while 74 per cent have had both.

In Torbay, 82 per cent have received one dose, while 77 per cent have had both jabs.

Vaccination rates in Devon are slightly behind the rest of the UK. Across the country, 86 per cent of people aged 12 and over in the country have had one dose, while 79 per cent have had both jabs.