Eight Covid-19 related deaths recorded in one week in Cumbria

The rise in Covid-related deaths comes as measures are introduced to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron.

As of Tuesday, face coverings are now mandatory in all shops and public transport to minimise the outbreak.

In the week to Friday November 19, there were eight Covid-related deaths in Cumbria.

The number of new patients admitted to hospital with the virus in the county also increased by 11 compared to the previous week.

However, coronavirus cases are continuing to fall in Cumbria this week with 1,371 new cases recorded – a decrease of 282 or 17 per cent compared to the previous week.

Rates in all Cumbrian districts were also below the national and regional average rates (England 440 and North West 371 new cases per 100k population respectively).

New cases decreased from the previous week in all districts except South Lakeland, where new cases increased by 8 per cent.

For the third week in a row the 5-11 age group had the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria (+269 new cases).

The 5-11 age group also had the greatest rate of new cases in Cumbria (724 new cases per 100k population).

New cases decreased from the previous week in all age groups except the 19-24 (+5 per cent) and 70-79 (+65 per cent) age groups.

Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said the public must 'remain cautious' following the detection of the Omicron variant in the UK.

He said: “Thankfully cases are continuing to fall this week which is encouraging.

“However, with confirmation the Omicron variant has been detected in the UK, we must remain cautious until we learn more about it.

“The government has introduced new precautionary measures until that happens and I urge everyone to follow the guidance as closely as they can.

“This means wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport, self-isolating for 10 days if you’ve been in contact with someone infected with the Omicron variant and taking a PCR test if you’ve been abroad before day two following your return the UK.

“COVID booster vaccines are also set to be rolled out for anyone aged 18+ over the coming weeks in response to Omicron, but for now if you’re aged 40 and over, book your booster vaccine as soon as you can.”

For more information on the latest COVID-19 guidelines in response to the Omicron variant, visit GOV.UK/coronavirus.

View the full COVID-19 weekly situation report at cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.