“Situation likely to change for the worse” warns Cumbria Director of Public Health

The number of cases of the Omicron variant in Cumbria is rising rapidly despite a decrease in cases overall this week.

In the week ending Friday 10 December there were 1,488 new cases of COVID-19 overall in Cumbria - a decrease of 33 or 2% (down from 1,521 new cases in the previous week).

However, since the first case of Omicron was detected in the county on 30 November, 100 cases per day are now being discovered just a fortnight later (14 Dec) with 270 cases in total so far – with many more likely remaining undetected.

At the current rate of increase, the county is likely to see similar case numbers to the previous peaks of Alpha and Delta by 23 December.

In the week ending Tuesday 14 December, the number of new patients admitted with COVID-19 Positive status in Cumbria Integrated Care increased by 10 compared to the previous week.

Sadly, in the week to Friday 3December, there were also five COVID-19 related deathsin the county.

Cumbria Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said: “With Omicron spreading quickly across the UK, we’re likely to see the situation change for the worse over the next few weeks.

“What we do know is that hospitals are already under pressure and the number of people being admitted with COVID-19 is increasing.

“That’s why it’s increasingly important we remember the behaviours that have served us well in previous waves of the pandemic – hands, face, space, fresh air.

“Remember to wear your face coverings properly if you’re in and indoor public place or on public transport. Get tested regularly and isolate if required. Work from home if you can. Wash your hands regularly. Keep your distance from others wherever possible and if you’re meeting indoors, let some fresh air in.

“Lastly, please make sure you get your COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as you’re eligible and able to. The booster is crucial in our fight against Omicron.”

Your GP Practice will be putting on extra clinics and you may be contacted by them to book your booster – please look out for calls and texts.

Please do not call your practice about the vaccine clinics unless invited to. Your GP practice may have more guidance on their website or on their social media.

Appointments for the COVID-19 booster vaccine can be made by visiting the NHS website.

For the latest guidance on how to protect yourselves and your family against COVID-19, visit the government website.

The latest COVID-19 situation report for week ending 3 December can be found atwww.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.