Devon covid drops

But still much higher than national average

Covid cases in Devon have fallen after weeks of rapid increases.

In the latest complete seven day period (to Sunday 6 February) the county recorded 12,743 new cases, 2,653 more than the previous week. The 17 per cent fall takes the infection rate across Devon to 1,060 per 100,000 of the population.

This is still much higher than the national average of 795.

But the fall comes as after cases rose across the county by more than 20 per cent in the previous two weeks.

Torbay saw the largest relative decline in infections, recording 26 per cent (483) fewer cases than the previous week. The 1,407 new cases in the Bay takes infection rates to 1,033 per 100,000.

The Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, recorded 8,420 cases, down 1,530 (15 per cent). The infection rate in the area is 1,039 per 100,000.

New cases of covid also fell in Plymouth, with 18 per cent (655) fewer than the previous week. With 2,916 new infections, the city has the highest infection rate in the county at 1,109 per 100,000.

Despite cases still being high in Devon and around the country, the government is bringing forward plans to end all covid restrictions in England by a month. As things stand, all domestic rules in place will end from Thursday 24 February.

Hospitalisations

As of the most recent data from Tuesday 8 February, 183 patients were in Devon’s hospitals with covid, a drop of 17 from the week before.

At 100, Plymouth has the highest number of infected people in hospital. Elsewhere, 43 infected patients are in the RD&E in Exeter, while Torbay has 29 and North Devon 11. 

Of the total number of patients, two are in mechanical ventilation beds, down by half. 

Deaths

Fewer people died with covid in the most recent complete seven-day period (to Sunday 6 February). Twenty-three people died within 28 days of receiving a positive covid test across Devon.

Fifteen people died in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay. Six deaths were recorded in Plymouth and two in Torbay.

Across Devon, a total of 1,572 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, with 84 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, 85 and 66 per cent respectively.