Concerns grow as Covid rates rise among teenagers

The district is currently placed eighth in the national league table - with infection rates at 52.7 per 100,000 of the population.

That covers a time period from 6th May to 12th May – the rate across the county stands at just 21.2 per 100,000.  The county council says much of the concern centres on 17 to 21-year-olds, where the rates for this age group stand at 302.9 per 100,000 – the highest anywhere across the county.

Mike Sandys, director of public health, said: “Although we’re still looking at relatively small numbers – around 30 cases over a seven-day period – this is shifting Melton up the rankings.”
And he has issued an urgent reminder to secondary-age pupils to ensure they take their twice-weekly rapid tests at home and, if they test positive, to ensure they stay at home and isolate.

Mike Sandys said: “We’re looking more closely into the detail behind the figures, although the figures are pretty clear around the affected age groups.
“We’re also working with pubs, sports clubs and colleges to ensure they are taking all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“It is vitally important that the basics around hand-washing and socially distancing are followed – both in school and when you are out and about.”

The latest figures also show that the areas in Melton with the highest rates – across all ages – include Asfordby, Frisby-on-the-Wreake, Old Dalby, Bottesford, Harby and Croxton Kerrial.

Cllr Joe Orson, who is leader of Melton Borough Council, said: “While we’re all eager to return to normality, we must always consider the health of those around us.
We need to ensure we are adhering to the guidelines, particularly as restrictions begin to ease and that includes regular testing and taking up the vaccine when it is offered.
Though these distressing times remain, we can protect one another and, as a community, work together to reverse this trend."

People  across the county are also being encouraged to:
•    Take up the offer of a vaccine when it’s offered to you. People in their 30s are now being invited in many areas of the UK;
•    The Government has also announced that the over-50s and people who are clinically vulnerable should receive their second doses eight weeks after the first, rather than 12 weeks;
•     If you have symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, get a test to check if you have coronavirus;
•    Get a rapid COVID test if you can’t work from home, even if you don’t have symptoms; 
•    Avoid car sharing, if you can, or take extra safety precautions -guidance for car sharing

•     Join the county’s COVID health champions for the latest information, and to help spread the word

~ends~

For more info contact:

Media Team

Leicestershire County Council

County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA

Tel: 0116 305 6274 | Email: pressoffice@leics.gov.uk