As the end of the pandemic seems tantalisingly close, the South Hams has just six confirmed cases

As the end of the global Coronavirus pandemic comes frustratingly close, the South Hams currently has just six laboratory-confirmed cases. 

Figures released by Devon County Councillor Roger Croad show that the South Hams district has the lowest infection rate in the country. 

Between 27 February and 5 March there were 180 laboratory-confirmed cases in Devon, but just six in the South Hams. This compares to 32 in Torbay, 101 in Plymouth, 97 in Cornwall and 39,371 in England. 

Sadly, between 24 February and 2 March, 18 people in the South West lost their lives to the virus. As of 2 March, there were 43 Covid-related patients in Devon’s four major hospitals. 

In vaccination news, more than 38 per cent of Devon’s adult population (more than 450,000 people) have been given at least their first shot of the vaccine, including 95 per cent of the 65+ age group and 24 per cent of the 16-64 age group. Letters are being sent to residents aged 60-64 inviting them to book a vaccine appointment. People aged between 50 and 60 are set to be invited soon. 

There are rapid testing sites across the South Hams, find out where and book a test by visiting devon.cc/testing, your results are sent to you by text message, usually within the hour. 

Many Covid-19 cases are asymptomatic, so get yourself a test if you think you need one, even if you’re not feeling unwell. 

If you have any concerns about the vaccine, or about misinformation surrounding the pandemic, check out this blog post by Totnes-resident and science communicator Dr Emily Grossman: HERE. 

Image: credit Felipe Esquivel Reed