There were 2001 new cases of COVID-19 recorded over the last 7 days in Cumbria, which is an increase of 95 or 5% compared to the previous week.
Although a relatively small rise in cases, this is part of a sustained upward trend which has seen cases rises each week since the end of July.
For the sixth week in a row, Allerdale recorded the greatest number of new cases (501).
Allerdale overtook Barrow-in-Furness in having the highest rate of new cases (489 cases per 100k population).
Rates in all Cumbrian districts except South Lakeland were above the regional average (North West: 354 new cases per 100k population). Furthermore, case rates were above the national average in all districts (England: 309 new cases per 100k population).
The 12-18 age group accounted for by far the greatest number and rate of new cases in Cumbria (+393 new cases/1,073 new cases per 100k population).
The 5-9 age group also experienced the greatest numerical and proportional increase in new cases (+56%).
The number of new patients admitted to hospital with a COVID-19 Positive status increased by 16 compared to the previous week.
Data up to Wednesday 8 September shows 88% of Cumbrian’s aged 16+ have now received their first dose and 83% their second.
In the week to Friday 3 September there 6 COVID-19 related deaths in Cumbria.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:
“As cases amongst younger age groups rise, it’s important to remember that although the chances of young people falling ill or being hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 is low, it’s not impossible and the virus may then spread to more vulnerable family members.
“You may have heard the government’s announcement this week that 12-15-year-olds will now be offered the vaccine and I welcome this news.
“With this added protection for younger people I hope we can avoid as much unnecessary disruption to our children’s education this winter as we can.
“Schools will begin circulating vaccine consent forms to parents from today and I urge parents to sign and return their forms as soon as possible so the vaccination rollout can begin swiftly.
“Furthermore, despite the vaccine rollout amongst this age group, it remains increasingly important students are tested regularly where possible to protect themselves, their families and school staff.
“LFT kits are free and readily available either from your local pharmacist or by ordering them from the government website.”
For more information on the current COVID situation in Cumbria, please read the weekly COVID-19 situation report on the Cumbria County Council website.