Massive jump in Covid cases in the South Hams in a week

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the South Hams has jumped from 29 to 114 in a week, just as the Government says that restrictions will end on 19 July. 

In figures shared by Devon County Councillor Roger Croad, it showed that between 20-26 June there were 29 laboratory-confirmed cases in the South Hams, but this jumped to 114 between 27 June and 3 July, an increase of 293 percent. 

According to the interactive map on the Government website, most of the South Hams has a case rate per 100,000 people of between 100-199, but in 'Salcombe, Malborough & Thurlestone' it is 213 and in Kingsbridge its 446.4. 

Screenshot of the interactive map on Gov.uk website 

Cllr Croad said: "As expected, there has been further increases in cases across the peninsula. Cases of the Delta (Indian) variant has risen from 272 to 500 in Devon alone, and we are expecting further rises in the week ahead, with a significant number coming in over the weekend.

"Of the 2,655 current cases in the Peninsula, 151 are aged over 60, with Cornwall providing half of those.

"27th June to 3rd July there were 1,036 laboratory confirmed cases in Devon; 114 in South Hams; 340 in Plymouth; and 125,933 in England.

"So, currently confirmed cases per 100,000: South Hams 131; Devon 129.1; Plymouth 129.7 and England 223.7.

"Between 24 to 30 June there were two Covid-related deaths in the peninsula, both in Cornwall, and the first since 9 May. There were 100 in England.

"As at 3 July, there were six Covid-related patients in Derriford, and one in the ICU."

Cllr Croad added that in Devon, 83 percent of 30-34-year-olds, 66 percent of 25-29-year-olds and 54 percent of 18-24-year-olds have had their first dose of the vaccine and more than 95 per cent of those aged 50+ have had both doses. 

There will be a drop-in vaccination centres on Wednesday and Thursday this week (7 and 8 July), no need to book, just turn up between 3pm and 8pm. On Wednesday it will be at the Cattle Market Car Park, on Thursday it will be on the Quay. 

This comes as the Government announced that 'Stage 4' restrictions are due to come into force on 19 July, which will mean there will be no legal requirement to wear a face-covering indoors; The 1m+ rule will be scrapped, along with the 'Rule of Six'; venue check in will be voluntary and nightclubs will reopen.