High Covid spikes in some areas of Peterborough but overall city is ‘stable’ says public health chief

But Dr Liz Robin, director for public health at Peterborough City Council, said it was vital that residents follow Tier 2 restrictions and avoid mixing socially indoors with anyone outside your household.

Figures updated last night (December 11) showed that there had been 50 new cases in the Longthorpe and Netherton area of the city in seven days to December 5, which equates to a new case rate of 690.1 cases per 100,000 of population.

Bretton Park had seen 34 new cases which equates to a rate of 406 cases per 100,000 and Newborough and Peakirk had seen 32 new cases - a rate of 434.

Other areas of the city have lower case rates and recent figures show the city’s overall new case rate is at 220.1 cases per 100,00, (445 new cases), compared to the previous week’s figures of 205.2, (415).

Dr Robin, said: “Although some areas of our city have higher numbers of Covid-19 cases, at the moment the overall picture for Peterborough has remained stable at rates close to 200 cases per 100,000.

“This is still higher than the regional and national average rates, and could change quickly - which is why it’s so important for everyone to follow the Tier 2 restrictions in the run-up to Christmas, and to continue to social distance, wash their hands frequently and wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces.

“The risk of spread of infection is highest indoors - and I would urge everyone to stick to the Tier 2 requirements that you do not mix socially indoors with anyone outside your household or support bubble.”

New cases and case rates by district in the seven days to December 5:

Longthorpe and Netherton - 50 - 690.1

Bretton Park - 34 - 406.2

Newborough & Peakirk - 32 - 434

Peterborough central - 47 - 376.9

West Town & Woodston - 26 - 204.9

Hargate & Orton Longueville - 20 - 205.7

Fengate & Parnwell - 25 - 206.8

Central Park - 36 - 320.8

Millfield & Bourges Boulevard - 22- 218.9

North Bretton & Westwood - 23 - 293.5

Dogsthorpe - 17 - 179.6

Walton - 10 - 125.7

Werrington - 8 - 143.7

Paston - 7 - 65.8

Stanground - 11 - 94.2

Fletton - 4 - 40.7

Orton West & Castor - 12 - 139.5

Eye & Thorney - 8 - 121.7

Hampton Vale - 8 - 70.2

Whittlesey - 28 - 235.7

Yaxley & Farcet - 7 - 61.9

Stilton, Elton & Folksworth - 4 - 70.4

Crowland & Cowbit - 4 - 59

Deeping St James & Frognall - 8 - 111.3

Langtoft, Thurlby & Uffington - 3 - 30.8

Dr Robin, added: “The administering of the Covid-19 vaccine is a very significant and welcome step towards defeating this pandemic – however it will take a substantial amount of time before enough people can receive it, to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on our population and our NHS.

“In the meantime, it remains vitally important that everyone continues to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in our community by maintaining good social distancing from anyone they don’t live with, wearing a mask wherever necessary, and washing or sanitising their hands regularly and thoroughly particularly on entering or leaving new places. Following this guidance remains our very best defence.

“It also remains crucial that if you, or any you live with, has symptoms of coronavirus – a raised temperature, new continuous cough or a loss of or change in sense of taste or smell - that all the household self-isolate and that the person with symptoms books a test, to reduce the spread of the virus across our city.”