COVID cases in Devon have fallen again after weeks of rapid increases.

In the latest complete seven-day period (to Sunday, February 13) the county recorded 9,039 new cases, 3,704 fewer than the previous week.

The 29 per cent fall takes the infection rate across Devon to 761 per 100,000 of the population, but this remains significantly higher than the national average of 593.

The Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, recorded 5,848 cases, 31 per cent (2,573) fewer than the previous week. The area’s 5,848 new cases takes its infection rates to 721 per 100,000.

Plymouth has the highest infection rate in the county with 840 infections per 100,000 of the population. This is despite the city seeing a large decrease in infections, recording 2,208, 24 per cent (709) fewer than the previous week.

Torbay’s 983 new infections represent a 30 per cent (424 cases) drop. The Bay’s infection rate now sits at 722 per 100,000 of the population. 

Hospitalisations

As of the most recent data (from Tuesday, February 15) 152 patients were in Devon’s hospitals with Covid, down 31 from the week before.

At 77, Plymouth has the highest number of people in hospital with Covid. Elsewhere, 52 infected patients are in the RD and E in Exeter, while Torbay has 19 and North Devon, four. 

Out of the 152 patients, only one is in a mechanical ventilation bed.

Deaths

Deaths have decreased in the most recent complete seven-day period (to Sunday, February 13). Nineteen people died within 28 days of a positive covid test across Devon, four fewer than the previous week.

Eleven people died in the Devon County Council area. Five deaths were recorded in Plymouth and three in Torbay.

Across Devon, 1,591 people have now died within 28 days of a positive covid test.

Vaccinations

Eighty-eight per cent of people aged 12 and above have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Plymouth and Torbay, with 84 per cent receiving both doses. Seventy-one per cent have now had their "booster" dose.

In Plymouth, 85 per cent have had one dose, while 80 per cent have had both. Sixty per cent have had the booster.

In Torbay, 86 per cent have received one dose, while 81 per cent have had both jabs. Sixty-six per cent have had their third vaccine.

The national rates are 91, 85 and 66 per cent respectively.

Joe Ives

LDRS