MAIL readers reacted after it was revealed Cumbria had experienced its worst week so far for new Covid-19 infections.

In the week ending January 8, 3,489 people tested positive for Covid-19 – a 39 per cent rise on the previous week.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said: “We remain in an extremely serious situation.

“In the very latest provisional data, there are some early signs that the rate of increase in new infections may be slowing, but the infection rate is still very high.

“Even if that trend continues, we can expect the very high numbers of people requiring hospital care, and increasing deaths, to continue for some weeks.

“This is putting our local NHS system under intense pressure.”

Mail readers had their say following the news.

Norman Hird said: “One day people might listen and stay at home or wear a mask if you need to go out. This is very serious and is costing lives. Please please stay at home – save lives.”

Sharon Thompson said: “Government need to stop people coming into our country without testing them. They wonder why it’s rife.”

Anne Lowther said: “From where I’ve been, people are following the guidelines and have been very considerate.”

Sharron Peachey-Vickers said: “It does not help half the town work in the same place.”

Graham Sturgeon said: “They are tested weekly though.”

Gail Martin said: “Sharron Peachey-Vickers – actually think it’s safer in there than it is in the supermarkets.”