Rate of Covid-19 cases across Harborough has 'rocketed', according to health experts

The rate of Covid-19 cases across Harborough has “rocketed” by a 84 per cent to a new record high.

The level of coronavirus infection throughout the district hit 462.7 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Saturday January 2, fuelled by the especially-virulent new strain and a Christmas spike, it’s been revealed this afternoon.

The scale of the virus crisis locally has emerged as regional health, county and police chiefs urged people to stay at home and stay safe in a bid to beat the 10-month pandemic as the third national lockdown takes hold.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, said: “The figures make it clear that we’ve seen rates rocket.

“And this rise is across all ages and particularly acute in Oadby, Wigston and Harborough.

"The new strain is now the dominant strain across the county and that’s adding to existing pressures so people do need to stay at home or we’ll be in real trouble.”

He added: “The hope is that the lockdown has come in fast enough to choke off the worst of the increase, but it will take a while for that to be reflected in the figures – rates will continue to rise over the next few days.”

He said the rate of cases in Leicestershire has shot up by 62 per cent across the board – significantly above the national average growth for England of 53 per cent.

“Our previous highest peak for the county was 396.8 cases per 100,000 in mid-November.

“I’ve now got no doubt that we’ll top that in the next day or two,” warned Mike.

“The national lockdown now has to be strictly observed.

“But it will get worse before it gets better.”

Cllr Nick Rushton, who leads Leicestershire County Council, said: “We haven’t seen the explosion in cases like they have in London yet – but it’s just around the corner if we don’t act now.

“The lockdown has come just in time – let’s not waste it.

“Whatever the type of variant, the message remains the same – keep your distance, do your hand washing and wear a face covering.”

He added: “These are the worst numbers we’ve ever had.

“But we are on the home straight and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“So we have to stick to the rules and protect our NHS.

“Stay at home and don’t try to find loopholes to break the rules.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, the Mayor of Leicester, said: “Leicester has been under some sort of restrictions for a long time, but with the virus spreading so rapidly, a tighter lockdown seems to be the only way to contain it.

"I would urge everyone to continue to follow the rules for as long as is necessary, to save lives and to give our health service time to deliver the vaccine to the most vulnerable in our community."

Kerry Smith, the Assistant Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, said: “We know that this is a challenging time and for some it is increasingly difficult.

“My officers will continue to engage with our communities but the messages have been very clear - stay in and stay safe.

"We need people to use common sense and take personal responsibility for keeping informed.”

She warned: “You need to have a permitted reason to leave your house or you may face a fine.

"We will deal with those who blatantly ignore these rules as they are putting everyone’s safety at further risk.

“Working together we can tackle this virus and keep our families safe.”

Professor Aruna Garcea, representing the NHS clinical commissioning groups, said it was vital that "everyone in the community" unites to defeat the Covid-19 threat.

The Leicester-based GP said: "The vaccination programme is a huge leap forward in tackling the terrible impact of Covid-19 but it will take time to have an effect.

"We must continue to stay safe and protect each other by following the public health advice.

“We will do all we can to keep you well in the meantime."

People with symptoms are being urged to get a test.

They must book an appointment by calling 119 or at http://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-testGovernment advice on the national lockdown is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home