Warning issued over 'very high' Covid case rate in Herefordshire

The county's public health chief issued the urgent warning as the rate of new coronavirus cases in Herefordshire passed 600 new cases per 100,000 people in the most-recent week – the highest rate ever seen in Herefordshire.

During the peak at the start of 2021, there were 372.9 cases per 100,000 people in the week to January 10.

But in the seven days to September 26 – some of the most-recent data available – that rate had hit 634.2, making it the second fastest-rising in the UK.

Acting public health director Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones said people needed to make sure they were taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

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That included wearing face coverings in busy indoor places, washing hands, socially distancing, letting fresh air indoors, taking up vaccinations when offered and testing regularly.

“Case rates are currently very high in Herefordshire," she said.

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"As we go into winter, taking necessary measures to prevent Covid-19 transmission remains important, and can help prevent other infections such as flu too.

“Therefore, it is really important that people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and the wider community.

“Hands, face, space and ventilation is a good mantra to practice and will help get case rates down.

“It is also really important that you have a Covid vaccine if you haven’t already done so, and for those who are eligible, taking up the flu jab and Covid booster offers.

“Testing also plays an important role to be able to identify cases, self-isolate and importantly identify contacts who can then take a test – breaking the chain of transmission."

Cases of Covid are particularly high among young people, Herefordshire Council warned.

More than 1,000 children were off school last Thursday due to the virus.

Latest infection rate figures, for the seven days to September 29, show there were 3,880.7 cases per 100,000 10 to 14-year-olds in the county, followed by 1477.5 for five to nine-year-olds and 1,302.9 for 15 to 19-year-olds.