THE coronavirus infection rate may be stabilising in Cumbria, the county's director of public health says.

The latest data for the week ending October 30 shows the number of new Covid-19 infections are continuing to rise in the county.

While Barrow and Carlisle remained the districts with the highest infection rates, both saw their rates drop. Barrow remains above the England average and Carlisle just below. By contrast Allerdale, Copeland and South Lakeland all saw significant increases in their rates, though all remain well below the England average.

For the 3rd week in a row, the 45-59 age group accounted for the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria. Cases among the over 60s also continued to rise, with the infection rate for this age group now just below the national average (155/100,000 vs 161/100,000). The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospitals across Cumbria’s two NHS Trusts rose to 159 on November 2 (this includes the Royal Lancaster Infirmary which also takes patients from South Cumbria). Registrars data shows a further 11 people died as a result of Covid-19.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “As we start this new period of national restrictions there are indications the infection rates may be stabilising in some areas of the county, but there are concerning increases in others. What is clear however is that the number of people in hospital is increasing and the health system is under real pressure. We have also sadly seen further deaths.

“If everyone sticks to the rules, the lockdown gives us the chance to significantly reduce infections, reducing pressure on the NHS, preventing more deaths and giving more time for vaccines to be developed. Although we must be prepared for further increases over the new two weeks before the effect of the lockdown in felt."

“We know these new restrictions will have a significant impact on our economy and on people’s well-being, there is help and support available and I would urge anyone having difficulty to contact the council’s Covid helpline.”

The weekly Covid-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.