Peterborough's continued rise in COVID cases explained by public health chief

Peterborough was placed into Tier 4 - effectively lockdown conditions - on the weekend before Christmas four weeks ago - but the number of cases in the city continues to rise, while other areas which faced similar restrictions have started to see a leveling off or fall in case rates..

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Last week (January 3-9) there were 1,099 new positive tests recorded in the city - up by more than 11 per cent compared to the previous week. There have been 59 COVID related deaths in the past month.

The rate now stands at 543 infections per 100,000 people.

A large number of Peterborough neighbourhoods across the city have seen a rise in cases in recent days.

MORE: The eight Peterborough areas to see a fall in COVID cases in last week

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire, said it was of 'the utmost importance' people did all they could to help the city bring the rate down.

Dr Robin said: “COVID infection rates rose more slowly in Peterborough than in many other areas during the last two weeks of December, but have continued to rise since the festive season.

"Part of the explanation for this may be that rates are higher among people of working age - and we know that many people in Peterborough are in front line jobs where they’re not able to work from home.

“The high rates of Covid infection mean it’s of the utmost importance at this point in time, that we don't invite people in our homes, don't leave home for anything other than essential reasons, avoid crowded areas and follow the restrictions.

“If we have to go out for essential reasons, its important to keep at least two metres away from anyone we don’t live with and wear a face covering where crowding is possible and in enclosed spaces.We need to protect our health, the NHS and reduce the pressure on our hospitals by following the ‘stay at home’ advice."

Testing is still available for residents, and Dr Robin urged anyone with symptoms to get a test. She said; "If you have symptoms, don't be afraid to get a test. We have testing sites at Gladstone Park Community Centre and at the East of England showground. In some areas of the city - where we have very high rates, you can even get a test without symptoms now.

"And remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel and the new vaccination programme is being rolled out. Although progress will be gradual and we will need to maintain some restrictions, by the spring things should start to get easier for us all."

Thousands of vulnerable residents and front line health and care workers have now received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

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