THERE has been a small increase in the number of patients in Devon in hospital following a positive Covid-19 test – but Cornwall’s hospitals are again Covid free.

The latest Government figures, which give the position as of Tuesday, June 8, show that across hospital trusts in the two counties, there are only five patients currently in hospital – up from the one as of June 1.

There are two patients in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and three in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital – all of whom were admitted on June 5.

But Cornwall’s two hospital trusts currently have no patients in them as of Tuesday. A patient had been admitted on June 5 , but didn’t stay overnight, while a patient admitted on June 6 was discharged before Tuesday morning.

There have been no patients in hospital in North Devon since April 3, while Torbay Hospital has been free of patients since April 13 – the only day since March 30 it housed a patient.

There are no patients in hospitals in Devon and Cornwall in a mechanical ventilation bed.

Across the wider South West, the latest figures, which show the position as of Wednesday, June 9, show there are 16 patients in hospital, which is down on the 18 as of last Wednesday.

In terms of hospital deaths, there have been none in any of Devon and Cornwall hospitals recorded since deaths at the Royal Cornwall Trust on May 19 and at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on May 9.

Infection rates in both Devon and Cornwall, while rising, remain among the lowest in England, with Torbay having England’s 3rd lowest, Cornwall 5th lowest and Devon the 7th lowest.

‘While case numbers are comparatively low in Devon still, for the moment, positive cases across the country are rising as they are in other European countries,’ said Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon.

With the Euros starting from today (Friday), Mr Brown issued a message for people to enjoy the tournament, but to do so safely, adding: ‘Euro 2020 will be a time of much emotion, and for many perhaps not sat watching it on TV at home, travel to friends and family to watch games or even to Wembley or Hampden Park to see the matches, may be in the offing.

‘Areas of the country are doubling down right now on this latest strain of the virus, with increased testing, tracing and vaccinations.

‘If you are travelling, please know what the restrictions are in the places you’re visiting.  If you’re visiting parts of the country where the Delta strain is dominant, please try to meet people outdoors, and wear a face covering when indoors in public spaces.

‘If you are watching the games with others indoors, please open the window and let fresh air circulate.  Keep your distance and remember to wash your hands properly and regularly.

‘Continue to take a rapid lateral flow test twice a week, and know your results within half an hour.  If you know you’re visiting others, take the test before your visit to have peace of mind that you’re not carrying the virus and spreading it to others.

‘So as we’re cheering on our teams, please, as difficult as it might be, don’t let your guard down.  Enjoy the games, most definitely, but do so safely.

‘We need to beat coronavirus and the final whistle hasn’t blown yet!’