Latest coronavirus rates in Harborough and across Leicestershire

You are being implored to help drive down “stubbornly high coronavirus numbers” across Leicestershire ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

The powerful plea to help defeat the virulent virus locally is being put out by Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health.

The county’s health chief is calling on people – whether they’re in the pub, the park or their home – to remember the basics and put social distancing top of their list.

New figures show that the current Covid-19 rate in Harborough is 6.5 per 100,000 – the second lowest of Leicestershire’s seven districts.

There were nine new coronavirus cases across Harborough between Saturday August 8 and Saturday August 22.

But rates in three districts remain above the national average of 10.9 per 100,000 people – Melton (11.7), Blaby (16.9) and Oadby and Wigston (17.5).

Mike Sandys said: “We’ve made big strides in Leicestershire – and that’s down to the hard work of residents.

“Although we’ve seen rates fall in some hotspots, we’re not seeing the countywide drop we’d hoped for meaning that numbers are nearly half of our districts are higher than we’d like.

“We need to bring rates down further.

“That’s the route to avoiding further restrictions – and so it’s important we all play our part.”

He added: “If you’re meeting up with friends in the park, make sure you keep two metres apart.

“And if you’re visiting the pub, follow the guidance on socialising.

“If people are coming round to your house, stick to the rules and if you’re travelling to work, adopt the same habits you would whilst you’re in work.

“This may sound simple – but the key to getting this under controls really is in all of our hands.

“And it still lies in maintaining social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings where you need to.”

People are being encouraged to follow the guidance below:

- If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell/taste, book a test

- Wash your hands regularly

- Wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, including public transport – unless you have a good reason not to

- If you’re meeting up with friends, keep two metres apart

- If you’re contacted by test and trace, you must isolate for 14 days

- Avoid car sharing, if possible

- Read the guidance to find out who you can meet with indoors and outdoors

You can read the latest Government guidance at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus