Covid cases are starting to fall across much of Devon but have risen again in Torbay.

Government figures for the week to Thursday 28 October show cases increased by 15 per cent in Torbay and fell by around seven per cent in the Devon County Council and Plymouth.

Devon and Plymouth’s numbers of cases per 100,000 people now stands at just under 490, while the number in Torbay is 545. By comparison, the UK average is now 417.

Of the county’s eight district areas, all but Teignbridge and North Devon – which had small rises – recorded falls in the numbers of cases. The South Hams had the largest drop of 25 per cent, with its infection rate now the lowest in the county at 392.

West Devon and Mid Devon also saw a drop in cases of ten per cent or more, but their infection rates of 547 and 581 are still significantly greater than the national average.

The falls across much of the county come as age data shows case rates amongst 0-19 year-olds, the group which has by far the highest rate, is beginning to fall – down from 1,186 cases per 100,000 on 22 October to 961 in the latest figures for 28 October.

However, the chart also shows a steady rise in cases in 20-39 year-olds and an increase in October amongst 40-59 year-olds.

Last week, Steve Brown, Devon’s director of public health, said we can’t rely solely on the vaccine to combat coronavirus as he urged everyone to step up the prevention measures to avoid any re-introduction of restrictions.

“Even though it’s not mandatory to do so, we all need to think about wearing face coverings in crowded and indoor places when mixing with others and as required when on public transport.

Mr Brown also recommended trying to socialise outdoors where possible and, if indoors, to ventilate, keep a little distance from each other and wash hands regularly.

“Use lateral flow device tests to regularly test yourself twice a week if not showing symptoms, and self-isolate and take a PCR test the moment you develop covid symptoms,” he added.

HOSPITALISATIONS

Latest figures for Tuesday 26 October show 118 covid patients in the county’s hospitals – a reduction of four from last week’s total.

Of the total in hospital, 38 are at Derriford in Plymouth, 33 at the RD&E in Exeter, 25 in Torbay, 16 in North Devon and two at Devon Partnership mental health trust sites. Of the total number of patients, nine are on mechanical ventilation beds.

DEATHS

Seventeen more people died in the county within 28 days of testing positive for covid in the latest complete weekly period (up to Thursday 28 October). Twelve were in the Devon County Council area, three in Torbay and two in Plymouth.

A total of 1,294 people in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) have died within 28 days of a positive test since the pandemic began.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination percentages now include those aged 12 and over. The number who have received at least one dose of a vaccine is 85 per cent in the Devon County Council area, 83 per cent in Torbay and 82 per cent in Plymouth.

The proportion of people who are fully vaccinated with both jabs is 79 per cent in Devon, 77 per cent in Torbay and 75 per cent in Plymouth.