Public health chief says a 'number of factors puts Peterborough at greater risk than other areas' as city remains near top of national COVID rate table

Government data shows Peterborough has the sixth highest COVID rate in the country - and while it is falling, it is not being reduced as quickly as other areas.

This week The Peterborough Telegraph reported that there were four areas of the city which had higher COVID rates than at the beginning of lockdown.

MORE: The four neighbourhoods in Peterborough where Covid infections are higher than December as Boris Johnson prepares to unveil a roadmap out of lockdownMORE: Just one Peterborough neighbourhood with COVID case rate below UK rate

And while the vaccination programme in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire is going well, with more than 200,000 people receiving the first dose, there is still big pressure on hospital staff dealing with the effects of the pandemic.

MORE: More than 200,000 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents receive COVID jab by Valentine's DayMORE: Number of Peterborough COVID patients in hospital at lowest level this year

Today, Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Peterborough, said: “Although we have seen a decline in Covid-19 infection rates across Peterborough, with a current rate of 262 cases per 100,000 people, the rates remain high and are not falling as quickly as other areas across the UK.

"There are some factors that put Peterborough at greater risk than other areas, making it more challenging to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the community. For example, the city has a high working age population and many people working in frontline jobs such as warehouses where they cannot work from home, which increases their risk of contracting and transmitting the virus.

“We are actively working with partners to reduce infection rates across Peterborough and are making good progress with the recent launch of rapid testing centres and continued vaccine rollout. With one in three people with Covid-19 displaying no symptoms, this access to regular testing with rapid results will be vital in tracking and breaking chains of transmission.

MORE: Thousands of rapid tests carried out in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire in attempt to reduce virus rates

“We are also working closely with employers to ensure workplaces are Covid-19 safe. The vast majority of local employers are complying with the guidelines, however, we are aware of some breaches and will continue to remind businesses of their responsibilities. If residents come across any businesses breaching the guidelines, they can report these to us via [email protected].

“Everyone must continue to play their part and help bring down infection rates. We can do this by staying at home and only going out for essential reasons; when you do have to go out or mix with anyone you don’t live with, keep two metres away from them, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and wear a face covering where this is required.

“Understandably, many are using this time to improve their physical fitness and we encourage residents to remain as fit and healthy as possible during this time. Keeping a healthy weight reduces many different health risks including the risk of having a worse outcomes from Covid-19 infection. However, at the moment if you are leaving home to exercise, this must be done within the current national Covid-19 restrictions - including only going out to exercise once a day, with a maximum of one member of your household and ensuring you are socially distanced from others.

“Vaccination is key to our response to Covid-19 and I would encourage everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when they are offered it. We’re working closely with all communities in Peterborough to address any issues and questions that people have. The vaccination has now been given to millions people of people around the country, and monitoring data show that it is very safe.”