The number of people with covid in Devon has again increased across many areas, but fallen slightly in hotspot areas.

Figures for the week to Thursday, December 2, show the rates in Plymouth and Torbay rose by 23 and 17 per cent respectively, while Devon County Council’s went up by eight per cent and Teignbridge’s by 6.1 per cent.

It means the county continues to have significantly higher rates of covid than the national average of 479 cases per 100,000 people. Devon, Plymouth and Torbay’s figures now stand at over 700.

Teignbridge recorded 1,069 cases, a rise of 61 or 6.1 per cent. This means the district has a case rate of 791.6 per 100,000.

The northern part of Devon continues to be the most infectious area, however both Torridge and North Devon’s infection rates have gone down slightly from last week’s record highs – reducing to 1,009 and 854 respectively.

Elsewhere at district level, West Devon recorded a jump in cases of over half to a new total of 698 cases per 100,000, while there was also a large increase in the South Hams of over a third – making it now the third most infectious area in Devon.

Exeter also recorded an increase in cases of a fifth, Teignbridge and East each had single-figure rises and there was a small drop in Mid Devon.

It comes as the new variant of covid – Omicron – recently prompted an update to government guidance, meaning all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of age or vaccination status.

Last week, Dr Paul Johnson, chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group said: ‘We’re still learning about the Omicron variant, but we can be clear that social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing a mask where appropriate can reduce the spread of all strains of covid-19 as well as of seasonal flu.

‘As the temperature drops it’s really important to get vaccinated against covid-19 and seasonal flu, if you are eligible, in order to protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS.’

HOSPITALISATIONS

On Tuesday 30 November, 148 patients with covid were in Devon’s hospitals, a reduction of 15 from last week. Sixty-three are at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, 42 at the Royal Devon & Exeter, 23 in Torbay and 20 in North Devon.

Of the total number of patients, 12 are in ventilation beds.

DEATHS

Fourteen more people died in the county within 28 days of testing positive for covid in the latest complete weekly period (up to Wednesday 1 December). Five were in the Devon County Council area, one in Torbay and eight in Plymouth.

A total of 1,378 people in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) have died within 28 days of a positive test since the pandemic began.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination percentages now include those aged 12 and over. The number who have received at least one dose of a vaccine is 87 per cent in the Devon County Council area, 85 per cent in Torbay and 83 per cent in Plymouth.

The proportion of people who are fully vaccinated with both jabs is 81 per cent in Devon, 79 per cent in Torbay and 76 per cent in Plymouth.