Due to a steep rise in cases Plymouth, Devon, Torbay, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, we have been named as an Enhanced Response Area by the Government.
The number of positive COVID-19 case numbers in Plymouth has continued to be higher than the national average over the past few months. Currently there are 568.8 cases per 100,000 head of population, which equates to around 220 new cases every day.
At the same time, local hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of Covid-related admissions. Derriford Hospital in Plymouth has declared a ‘critical incident’ due to the pressures on services caused by a number of factors including a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases as well as higher than average emergency department patients.
Whilst this new announcement does not mean there will be additional legal restrictions on the area or residents, it does mean that everyone is now being strongly advised to act carefully and responsibly. We will be working closely with Public Health England on deciding what additional measures will be most appropriate and effective for the city of Plymouth over the next few days and will be in a position to give more information about this next week.
In the meantime, please help to stop the virus spreading further by continuing to:
- Wear a face covering indoors, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport to protect others, including our frontline workers who we all rely on
- Wash your hands often and meet outdoors when you can or let fresh air in if you are inside
- Test regularly when you don’t have symptoms and isolate immediately and get a PCR test if your home test is positive or if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild.
- Get vaccinated as soon as you can and remember to get both doses
Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: “This announcement is a sobering reminder that COVID-19 has not gone away and our high case numbers, together with the number of people being admitted to hospital, is now in the national public eye. We must start taking COVID-19 seriously again.
“The last 18 months have tested all of us, and we are grateful to everybody for your immense efforts in helping to protect your friends, families and others from the virus. While restrictions have now eased we must remember that the virus is still with us and cases continue to rise and councils, the NHS and other public services are under pressure.
“We must all continue to be cautious as we take the next step on the roadmap and carry on looking out for one another, not least our frontline workers who we all rely on.
“Our best defence against the virus is still the vaccines, and the NHS, health partners, local authorities and countless volunteers have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure they are accessible to all. Getting a vaccine means you are less likely to become ill, and have less chance of spreading the virus to others who may be more vulnerable than you are.
“With fewer restrictions on our lives, it is also vital that we don’t forget about the importance of testing as the virus continues to spread through our city.
Widely-available Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) that you can take at home will help identify if you have the virus without realising so you can self-isolate to ensure you don’t pass it on further. And PCR tests continue to be available for those with symptoms and people confirming a positive LFT result.
“Together we have achieved so much during the pandemic and we thank you for your continued support. Let’s carry on being careful to make sure these collective efforts are not wasted in the weeks and months to come.”
Get a lateral flow test here
Find out where to get a vaccination here