Latest Covid-19 'hotspots' in Leicestershire - and number of new cases in Harborough

There were 29 new Covid-19 cases across Harborough in the latest seven-day period to be charted earlier this month.

They have pushed up the coronavirus rate throughout the district to 31.4 per 100,000 people.

That’s under Leicestershire’s average rate of 39.4 after the county saw 275 new cases between Thursday September 3 and Wednesday September 9.

The national Covid-19 average for England currently stands at 32.8 per 100,000.

But the number of new virus cases in Oadby and Wigston, just 12 miles north of Market Harborough, has rocketed, new figures show.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, is now urgently imploring residents in the borough to act now to head off a new mini-local lockdown.

Latest data shows that Oadby and Wigston is now the second-worst hit area in the country with a rate of 115 cases for every 100,000 people.

The county council is now delivering leaflets to over 13,000 people and contacting GP surgeries to highlight the need for people with symptoms to get a test.

Other measures being considered include the possibility of enforcement action as ‘hotspots’ are identified.

The council is also awaiting confirmation of a further, additional testing unit for the district.

Mike Sandys said: “This is serious and it might be enough of a rise to warrant further restrictions.

“We know cases are rising nationally.

“But this is a big leap in our neck of the woods and a stark reminder that the pandemic is not over.

“We’ll work closely with our district partners in Oadby and Wigston over the next few days.

“If cases don’t fall, and quickly, we’ll have to consider introducing local restrictions.”

He added: “Keeping your distance, getting a test if you have symptoms, washing your hands and wearing a face covering where required needs to become the new normal.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads Harborough council’s Liberal Democrats, said: “The latest figures for one of our near neighbours showing such high figures per 100,000 should serve as a real warning of the importance of maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing and wearing face coverings.

“We have to do everything we can to drive downwards the figures in Harborough.

“Covid-19 is a long way from being beaten and we must never forget it has the ability to kill.”

The figures below relate to cases reported between Thursday September 3 and Wednesday September 9 (7 days).

Area: Blaby

Weekly number of cases: 63

Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 62.7

Area: Charnwood

Weekly number of cases: 61

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 33.4

Area: Harborough

Weekly number of cases: 29

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 31.4

Area: Hinckley and Bosworth

Weekly number of cases: 29

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 25.8

Area: Melton

Weekly number of cases: 13

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 25.4

Area: NW Leicestershire

Weekly number of cases: 14

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 13.7

Area: Oadby and Wigston

Weekly number of cases: 66

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 115.7

Area: Leciestershire

Weekly number of cases: 275

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 39.4

Area: England

​Latest Incidence per 100,000 population (weekly): 32.8

People are being urged 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

- Do not meet socially in groups of more than six people

- 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.

Check out the Government guidance at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus