Fewer new Covid-19 cases in Northampton — but now it's Corby and Kettering in the spotlight

Covid-19 cases are falling Northampton — but rising in other parts of the county.

Corby now has the highest rate of new positive tests, followed by Kettering although all three areas are above the East Midlands average.

And health officials in the county admit they are concerned about rising numbers of infections among the youngest age group.

In a briefing last Friday Northamptonshire's Director of Public Health, Lucy Wightman, said: "From a point of view of Kettering and Corby, one of the things we have talked about is that increase in the young age group.

"Kettering in particular, the recent increase is very much focused on younger age groups and in Corby we are seeing an increase in the under 20s.

"We are making sure we are linking up with appropriate schools and colleges and higher education establishments to ensure that people are aware of the messaging but that also as they go back into school that they are able to access the information they need to make sure they socialise in a safe way."

Latest figures revealed 34 new cases in Corby in the week to August 29 — a rate of 47 per 100,000 of the town's population.

In Kettering the figure was 31 new cases, or 30.46 per 100,000.

Northampton saw 48 new cases but a lower rate of 21.32 per 100,000 people.

The East Midlands area, which includes Northamptonshire, has an infection rate of 10.71 per 100,000 over the same period

Borough Council leader Jonathan Nunn admitted last week it was a "huge relief" to see the infection rate decreasing.

But he added: "I'm extremely worried we don't become complacent and the message I would give to the people of Northampton is what you're doing seems to be making a difference but we've got to keep pushing, pushing, pushing."

"Let's really keep pushing all the basic precautions from hand-washing all the way through to avoiding car-sharing, being really careful on buses, put your mask on before you join the queue, keep your mask on until you get off the bus and you're away from confined areas.

"All of these other things we've got to keep doing as personally I am worried that now we cannot, I keep using this expression, take our foot off the gas."

Northampton was declared an area of intervention by Public Health England following an outbreak of more than 300 Covid-19 cases at a sandwich-making factory in Moulton Park.

Local officials believe the drop off in new cases shows the outbreak has not spread to the wider community.

Extra guidance remains in place for people in Northampton, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough to follow to help prevent further spread of the virus: This includes:

■ Keep two metres from others at all times

■ Limit contact with those outside their household or bubble

■ If you must meet with those outside your household or bubble, meet outside

■ Do not share items with others outside of your household or bubble

■ If social distancing at two metres is not possible, always use a face covering

■ Avoid using public transport or car sharing. Wear face coverings if you must travel with others

■ Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds each time

■ Work from home if you can