'The second wave of Covid-19 could now be hitting Harborough and the rest of the county' says Leicestershire’s public health chief

Here are the latest Covid-19 figures for Harborough and the rest of Leicestershire
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The second wave of Covid-19 could be hitting Harborough as well as the rest of the county now, Leicestershire’s public health chief is warning.

Mike Sandys called on people to help combat the highly-infectious disease as new figures show there were almost 1,000 coronavirus cases in Leicestershire over the last two weeks.

The Covid-19 rate across Harborough has climbed to 56.2 per 100,000, it’s being revealed.

The second wave of Covid-19 could be hitting Harborough as well as the rest of the county now, Leicestershires public health chief is warning.The second wave of Covid-19 could be hitting Harborough as well as the rest of the county now, Leicestershires public health chief is warning.
The second wave of Covid-19 could be hitting Harborough as well as the rest of the county now, Leicestershires public health chief is warning.

The latest seven-day rates up to Thursday October 1 show the only district above the national average of 100 cases for every 100,000 people is Oadby and Wigston - which has a rate of 112.

About 170 extra cases have now been added in following Public Health England's high-profile IT mix-up.

That means there were over 450 coronavirus cases in Leicestershire last week – a third more than initially reported.

Leicestershire’s rate of 65.6 per 100,000 people is still below the national and East Midlands averages.

But Mike Sandys, the county council’s director of public health, said the latest data signals the arrival of a second coronavirus wave sweeping the UK.

“Adding in the extra figures means that we now believe the rate in the last week to be at least a third higher than previously thought.

“Whilst levels are below national benchmarks, it’s clear that the second wave is real and happening now.

“It remains down to us to stem the rise and changing our behaviour is the trick,” said Mike.

Urging people to do the “right thing” and take every possible precaution to stop the virus spreading, he insisted: “It’s human nature to perhaps find it easier to adopt social distancing in the work place, for instance, but not be as diligent on the commute.

“Or to closely follow the rules on household mixing but join in a crowded chat at the school gates.

“It’s about doing the right thing.

“And by following social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands and adhering to the rules, you are playing your part.”

The national Covid-19 average currently stands at 100 cases for every 100,000 people while the East Midlands rate is 85 per 100,000 people.

District breakdown:

• North West Leicestershire - 37.2 per 100,000 population

• Melton - 48.9 per 100,000 population

• Harborough – 56.2 per 100,000 population

• Hinckley and Bosworth – 53.4 per 100,000 population

• Blaby - 66.7 per 100,000 population

• Charnwood – 83.2 per 100,000 population

• Oadby and Wigston 112.2 per 100,000 population.