Covid rates in Wiltshire higher than across England for the first time

By local democracy reporter Matthew McLaughlin

THE Covid case rate in Wiltshire is above the national average for the first time since the pandemic began. 

In the last seven days, 1,846 people have tested positive for Covid-19 which is an increase on the previous week’s figure of 1,424.

This means that the case rate per 100,000 people in WIltshire is 366.2 which is higher than the national average of 324.2.

This is the first time the case rates in the county have been higher than across England, and, according to public health director, Kate Blackburn, this is in-line with the region.

“Just a few weeks ago we were starting to see case numbers drop and then plateau following a period of sharp increases,” she said.

“We’ve seen two weeks of slowly rising rates and in the last three days those rates have gone up more steeply again.

“As ever it’s still important that people do what they can to protect themselves and their loved ones from this virus.”

Mrs Blackburn said this sharp rise has been seen across the south west.

“You are at much greater risk of catching and transmitting the virus if you’ve been in contact with someone,” she continued.

“So bear that in mind if you’re going to meet family or friends.”

Currently, there is no longer any legal requirement for people who have received two doses of a vaccine to self-isolate if they have been identified as a close contact of someone who has contracted the virus.

However, the public health boss said that if individuals are still displaying Covid symptoms then they should book a PCR test immediately.

“I think we’ve probably become numb to the number of cases,” Mrs Blackburn told journalists in a briefing.

“But it’s still really prevalent in the county and the fact that our case numbers are above the national average for the first time really demonstrates that we can’t be complacent.

“The vaccine is protecting a lot of people from serious illness but we still want people to make sensible decisions based on their circumstances and not put themselves or their loved ones at any unnecessary risk.”
Mrs Blackburn said that there is no specific reason for the rise other than the broad opening of more businesses and activities.

She added that this is more prevalent in the younger age ranges because many will work in hospitality and will be exposed to the virus more.

“There are just more opportunities now for the virus to jump from person to person, and we’re seeing it at its highest in that group who have not have their double vaccination,” she said.