Positive covid cases in Devon fall

But concern over care homes and businesses

Devon has seen a fall in the number of positive cases of covid-19 across all age groups, Public Health Devon has confirmed.

"The current restrictions are helping to bring down the number of positive cases in Devon," says Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon.

"Devon residents are doing really well in adhering to the current lockdown restrictions, and we're seeing evidence that their efforts are working. However, we must keep it up.

"We do have concerns about the numbers of people currently testing positive for coronavirus in care homes, and in some business settings. And there is continuing pressure on our hospitals, where we are seeing higher numbers of coronavirus-related deaths.

"The roll out of the NHS vaccination programme is going well. More venues are opening up to provide greater capacity to vaccinate even greater numbers of people, and providing more choice for people about where they can receive their vaccination. We are also starting to pilot a system to provide rapid lateral flow tests to critical workers who are asymptomatic, in order prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"But while the vaccination is great news, it's important that we do not think that once we've had it, we can go about like normal. The vaccination helps minimises the symptoms, but there's no evidence yet that it stops a person catching and spreading the virus.

"Therefore it's essential that everyone, even including those who have received their first jab, continues to adhere to the lockdown rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Continue to social isolate, wear face coverings when in public spaces, and wash your hands properly and regularly. Please remember, you must isolate if you are instructed to do so by NHS Test and Trace.”