Covid cases hold steady in the South Hams, but are we going to see a bank holiday spike?

Cases of Covid-19 in the South Hams stay at a very similar level to last week, but are we going to see a spike after the Bank Holiday? 

Devon County Councillor Roger Croad released the numbers on Tuesday morning, which showed that there were 17 laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases between 23-29 May, down two from the week before. 

Councillor Croad said: "South Hams still working through the minor outbreaks in two schools last week" but with our small population, the cases per 100,000 is still high, being 19.5 in the South Hams, compared to 10 in Devon, 5.9 in Torbay and 8 in Plymouth. It is still lower than England as a whole, which has seen 27.2 cases per 100,000 in the last week. 

The vaccine appears to be helping with hospitalisations and deaths, with only two Covid-related patients in the three major Devon hospitals and zero deaths across the Peninsular in the same week. 

Cllr Croad continued: "South Hams is a little above the Devon average again this week, but that should drop as infections work through.

"Up to 28 May in Devon, 750,105 have now received their first vaccination, including 54,590 (88 per cent) of the 40-44 age group. 498,652 second doses given (some 45 per cent of the adult population). People aged 30 and over on 1 July 2021 now eligible to book their first vaccine.

"Second vaccines for over 50's and others in cohorts 1-9 are being accelerated, with around eight weeks between doses. Those with existing appointments will be contacted to make new arrangements as soon as possible.

"Once again - just a reminder - the appointment system for second doses is complex, as each patient needs to receive the same vaccine type as the first and there are limited days we can offer each vaccine due to varying supplies each week.

"If people haven't heard about a second appointment, please call 01752 398836 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.