PEOPLE in Cumbria are being warned to follow Covid safety guidance with cases 'worryingly high' and hospital admission for the virus on the rise.

New infections fell slightly this week to 2,702, which is a decrease of 296, or 10 per cent compared to the previous week. 

Despite the fall, cases remain high and were above the regional and national averages in all Cumbrian districts, except Eden.

There were 66 new patients admitted to hospital in the county with Covid-19 – an increase of 26 compared to the previous week – bringing the average number of Covid-19 patients in hospital throughout last week to 100.

New cases decreased from the previous week in the 12-18 and 5-11 age groups - by 25 per cent and seven per cent respectively - but those age groups still accounted for by far the greatest rates of new cases in Cumbria, with 1,480 and 1,202 new cases per 100k population respectively.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said: “I’m pleased to see cases fall slightly this week, but rates remain worryingly high.

“What we’re now seeing is high case rates translating into hospital admissions – hospitals that are already under immense pressure – and we must do all we can to relieve the pressure on these services.

"Which means practicing Covid safety guidance (Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air, testing) and choosing the right NHS service at the right time.

“In terms of younger age groups, it’s important parents remember to get their children tested regularly – and in the right way. This means taking Lateral Flow tests twice a week if your child does not have symptoms and going for a PCR if they do have symptoms.”

Dr Louise Buchanan, consultant cardiologist and associate medical director at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We would ask our local communities to continue to support the NHS and ask people to take up the Covid vaccine and booster jabs when offered and continue to follow the latest government guidance – opening windows in workplaces for ventilation and wearing masks in shops, offices and enclosed spaces.

“People should choose the service most appropriate for their need when they need to access medical help and be mindful that NHS staffing is also affected when covid rates mean people are being asked to isolate.”