Covid rises by 20 per cent in Devon

For the second week in a row

Covid cases in Devon have risen by more than 20 per cent for the second week in a row.

In the latest complete seven day period (to Sunday 30 January), the county recorded 15,396 new cases, 2,651 more than the previous week. The 21 per cent rise takes the infection rate across Devon to 1,323 per 100,000 of the population, a tihrd higher (34 per cent) than the national average of 986.

Exeter overtook Torbay to have the highest infection rate in Devon. Its  rate of 1,660 is almost 70 per cent higher than the UK average. The city recorded 2,213 new cases, 36 per cent (581) more than the previous week.

Overall, the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, recorded a 12.4 per cent (+1,098) rise in cases. Its 9,940 new infections takes its infection rate to 1,009 per 100,000.

Plymouth had 3,568 new cases; 407 (13 per cent) more than the previous week. The infection rate in the city sits at 1,358 per 100,000.

Torbay saw cases drop for the first time in weeks, but still recorded 1,888 new cases, 2 per cent (43) fewer than in the previous week, making the infection rate 1,386 per 100,000.

Hospitalisations

As of the most recent data from Tuesday 1 January, 210 patients were in Devon’s hospitals with covid, a drop of 30 from the week before.

At 137, Plymouth has the highest number of infected people in hospital. Elsewhere, 46 infected patients are in the RD&E in Exeter, while Torbay has 27. 

Of the total number of patients, four are in mechanical ventilation beds, one more than the previous week. 

Deaths

Reflecting high case numbers in recent weeks, deaths have risen significantly. Thirty-one people died within 28 days of receiving a positive covid test across Devon in the most recent complete seven-day period (to Sunday 30 January), twelve more than last week.

Seventeen people died in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay. Eight deaths were recorded in Plymouth and six in Torbay.

Across Devon, a total of 1,549 people have now died within 28 days of a positive covid test.

Vaccinations

Eighty-eight per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, with 83 per cent receiving both doses. Seventy per cent have now had their ‘booster’ dose.

In Plymouth, 85 per cent have had one dose, while 79 per cent have had both. Sixty per cent have had the booster.

In Torbay, 86 per cent have received one dose, while 81 per cent have had both jabs. Sixty-five per cent have had their third vaccine.

The national rates are 91, 84 and 65 per cent respectively.