Devon covid not tourists' fault

Cases are all down to locals

None of the low levels of coronavirus cases being confirmed across Devon are believed to be linked to visitors to the area, says Devon’s public health director.

Dr Virginia Pearson told the Team Devon local engagement board that cases remain very low and scattered across the county. She said that they were "all over the data" to check for any linked cases and that at present there was no area of concern. And she said that as far as they can establish, none of the new cases confirmed in the last couple of weeks are related to tourists or visitors coming into the area.

For every 1,000 people in Devon who are tested for coronavirus, only three of them are testing positive. She added: “These people who have symptoms, have been unwell, or had contact with those who have tested positive, and are not even the wider community. We have a very low rate of cases, very low positivity rates, and they are scattered cases.”

Cllr John Hart, leader of the council, added thanked the people of Devon for abiding by the measures currently in place and added that people needed to continue to socially distance, wash their hands, wear masks were required, and be careful when in gatherings, as doing those actions is keeping Devon safe.

The meeting heard that the relaxation of lockdown measures on July 4 and the subsequent increase in visitor numbers to Devon had not had any impact on the number of cases, with Dr Pearson adding: “It is vital that we continue to work together to encourage compliance and focus on prevention as we are dealing with something that will be here for a while.”

Dr Pearson also issued a warning to parents and guardians of babies under 12 months to not cover their mouths with facemasks as it could cause breathing difficulties.

While there have been no reports of ‘baby masks’ being sold in Devon, parents and guardians are urged not to buy them as they could harm their baby’s health.