Local News: Northampton Town Center and parishes in and around NN1 (Northampton)

Covid-19 cases are down 20% in Northants

Public health officials continue to offer advice this week as Northamptonshire COVID-19 cases decline 20% but hospital admissions increase.

Residents are reminded of the importance of taking a lateral flow test twice a week if you have no symptoms of COVID-19, but taking a PCR test if it is symptomatic in any way. You are also urged to be COVID-proof even when you are out and about to protect roommates and keep local businesses running smoothly. Simple hand sanitizing, mask wearing in case others are clinically vulnerable, and polite distancing are recommended.

This week’s surveillance report, an analysis of the county’s most recent coronavirus cases and rates from July 19 to July 25, 2021, shows a 20% decrease in cases since last week, with 2,582 residents testing positive. The total number of cases this week represents a 20% decrease compared to the previous week, but is more than five times higher than the week of June 21, 2021.

The Northamptonshire infection rate per 100,000 population for the last week ending July 22 is 410.7. Locally, the highest rates are recorded in the Kettering area (453.0), closely followed by the South Northamptonshire area (444.5).

This week’s report also shows that of the ten-year age groups, secondary school-age children (10-19 year olds) again had the highest number of cases. The group of younger adults, the 20 to 29 year olds, has the second highest number of positive cases. In the past four weeks, the number of cases in people over the age of 60 has continued to rise.

Hospital bed occupancy has increased again in recent weeks, with the latest figures worryingly high compared to the past few months. The latest data shows that as of July 27, 2021, a total of 61 COVID-19 positive patients were occupying hospital beds in Northamptonshire, a 61% increase from the previous week.

Unfortunately, in last week’s numbers, Northamptonshire also saw an increased number of deaths, with a total of five deaths.

The county public health team will continue to monitor and manage outbreaks, but residents are encouraged to continue playing their vital role in developing it to prevent further cases across the county.

Lucy Wightman, Joint Director of Public Health – North and West Northamptonshire Councils says:

“It’s summer and we are all feeling more relaxed and free, but make sure your kids and teens get together with their friends and peers in a COVID-safe manner during the summer vacation. Make sure they are “COVID Aware” by speaking to them and helping them make the safest decisions and minimize the risks. Ask them to wash their hands when they return home and explain the potential risk of transmission if they share chips, candy, and drinks. For older children, make sure they wear masks when they leave the house. Promote game dates or meet up outside rather than inside – if it has to be inside, make sure the windows are open and fresh air comes in.

“The recent small drop in cases is great news so let’s also make sure things go on and keep small businesses going by being ‘COVID-19 wary’ on their premises. Business owners have put a lot of effort and effort into making sure their environments are COVID safe for their customers. Please do your part and make sure you are safe in the shops, workshops, pharmacies, etc. with other customers and employees too. Disinfect as you enter, keep a polite distance, wear a mask, and test twice a week. Think COVID and do your part to ensure employees don’t have to self-isolate, which could jeopardize their business continuity plans. If we all protect ourselves and protect each other, we can go on living without restrictions for as long as possible. “

The following COVID-safe behaviors are recommended by the government and public health officials:

· got both doses of the vaccine

· Check twice a week through the use of lateral flow tests

· If possible, meet in a well-ventilated area, e.g. B. outdoors or indoors with the window open

· Wear face covering when you come into contact with people you would not normally meet in closed and crowded spaces

· Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer regularly throughout the day

· cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing

· Stay home if you feel unwell to reduce the risk of passing other illnesses on to friends, family, co-workers, and others in your community

· taking into account individual risks, such as clinical susceptibility and vaccination status when mixing.

The following important protective measures remain in place:

· Tests for symptoms and targeted asymptomatic tests in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.

· Isolate if positive or if contacted by NHS Test and Trace or prompted by the NHS COVID-19 app. Border Quarantine: for anyone arriving from red list countries and for those arriving from yellow list countries, except for UK residents who have been fully vaccinated in the UK.

It’s not too late to be stung.

· If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccine yet, you can stop by one of the participating drop-in clinics this weekend across the county where you can get a jab without an appointment.

· The Moulton Park Vaccination Center now offers drop-ins from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. daily. Arrival time at other locations will vary and visitors should check availability, hours and eligibility prior to visiting. Please bring your NHS number if you have one. You can easily find them online at nhs.uk/nhs-services / online-services / find-nhs-Number/ If you cannot visit a contact point, you can still book an appointment at an existing vaccination center, either online at nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccineby calling 119 or contacting your family doctor.

Lateral flow testing

There are several ways to access LFT tests:

Some community-owned asymptomatic test centers are in operation across the county: https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirusupdates/covid-19-testing/Pages/community-based-testing-centres.aspx.

You can also access tests through the Community Collect service, where you can collect packages for home use. You can find your nearest one at: https://www.gov.uk/find-covid-19-lateral-flow-test-site , You can also order test kits for home delivery from: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

· Residents will also strictly follow all instructions for self-isolation. The full self-isolation guide can be found here.

· If you have COVID-19 symptoms, remember to get a PCR test as soon as possible to see if you are positive. If you have a fever, persistent cough, or if you have lost or changed your sense of smell or taste, you should isolate yourself immediately and book a PCR test. Tests can be booked in the Test and Trace app, online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

· Tests can be booked via the Test and Trace app, online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Depending on availability, test kits can also be ordered for use at home

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