Latest figures show a sharp rise of Covid cases in the Harborough district

More than 100 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Harborough district over the last seven days.

The figure is the highest since the winter when the 16-month coronavirus pandemic was at its height locally as well as nationally.

Some 26 cases were recorded in Harborough yesterday (Thursday) alone.

That took the total in the last week to 103 – some 68 more than the previous seven days.

The sudden spike has been driven to an extent by a mini-outbreak of the virus among pupils and staff at Kibworth Mead Academy.

Pupils in Years 8 and 9 – aged from 11-14 - are being told to stay away from the secondary school in Kibworth.

They will have to learn remotely at home until Friday.

And Year 11 students, who were in school last Thursday and Friday, are also being urged to self-isolate in a bid to stop the coronavirus spreading.

The school, which had gone 13 weeks without a positive case, is taking the action after holding urgent talks with Public Health England officials.

The latest weekly infection rate in Harborough has spiralled to 104.5 per 100,000 people.

That’s well above the national average of 77 and the second highest in the East Midlands.

Mike Sandys, the Director of Public Health for Leicestershire, is now urging anyone who fears they have contracted Covid to go and get tested immediately.

He’s also imploring everyone offered their second vaccination to get it straight away.

Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the Liberal Democrats on Harborough council, said: “It’s worrying to see that the infection rate is climbing again across the district.

“As I’ve said many times before – we are not out of the woods yet.

“Please go along and get your second Covid jab as soon as you are invited.

“And continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your social distance.

“Keep yourself safe and the entire community safe – and together we’ll beat this pandemic,” said Cllr Knowles.