'People in Harborough deserve a pat on the back for these very encouraging figures' says health chief as Covid rates fall

The district’s infection rate fell by 45 per cent over the last few days
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The people of Harborough have got a huge pat on the back from the county’s health chief as the Covid-19 rate has plunged locally.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health, saluted the community after the district’s infection rate fell by 45 per cent over the last few days.

But he is also appealing to people to stay vigilant as Harborough is surrounded by some of the worst-performing areas in the whole of England – including Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and Corby.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health, saluted the community after the district’s infection rate fell by 45 per cent over the last few days.Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health, saluted the community after the district’s infection rate fell by 45 per cent over the last few days.
Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health, saluted the community after the district’s infection rate fell by 45 per cent over the last few days.

“The current coronavirus infection rate in Harborough stands at about 100 per 100,000.

“It’s fallen at about the same pace as the national average for a change so that’s very positive,” Mike told the Harborough Mail this afternoon.

“It’s certainly looking a lot better now than it has for a long while.

“We have made some good progress and people in Harborough deserve a pat on the back for these very encouraging figures.

“That’s especially so when you consider that several neighbouring areas are still struggling so badly at the moment.

“Leicester, for example, is the second-worst hit area in England with about 218 cases of the virus per 100,000.

“Oadby and Wigston is sitting 12th with Corby, just up the road from Market Harborough right at the top of this table,” said Mike.

“So it’s fair to say that Harborough is currently doing very well despite these nearby areas not because of them.

“We are definitely heading in the right direction.

“And if we continue to bring the rate of Covid infection down then there is certainly light at the end of this very long tunnel.

“We will all, all being well, be able to look forward to a much brighter spring and summer as more and more of us get vaccinated.

“But a note of caution to everyone living in Harborough.

“We have to keep following the basic Covid rules.

“Please keep washing your hands, keeping your social distance and wearing face coverings,” insisted Mike.

“Do not to be tempted to meet up with friends and family outside your bubble.

“And the fact that areas such as Leicester and Corby are still faring so badly make it even more critical that you do not travel there.

“Keep your guard up and let’s do all we can to push back and defeat this virus sooner rather than later.”

Mike was backed by Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the Liberal Democrats on Harborough council.

“It’s hugely positive that the rate of people catching Covid in Harborough has plummeted over the last few days.

“We are definitely heading in the right direction.

“But we’ve had Covid peaks and troughs before,” said Cllr Knowles.

“So we all have to stay on our guard and maintain our discipline – we cannot relax for a minute.

“Keep your social distance, wear a mask and wash your hands regularly day in day out.”

He added: “I’d also urge everyone offered a vaccination to take it.

“Please go along to your nearest medical or health centre and get the jab.

“It is the only way we are going to beat this terrible virus.”