RATE: Worcester s infection rate has increased by 148 per cent in the last week THE city s coronavirus infection rate has risen by 148 per cent in the last week according to the latest figures. Worcester s infection rate was 451.5 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to January 1 with a total of 457 cases recorded compared to 176.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 25. This means the infection rate in Worcester has increased by 148.4 per cent in the last seven days. Worcestershire s infection rate was 399 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to January 1 - the highest it has ever been. A total of 2,377 cases were recorded in the week according to Public Health England.
BROMSGROVE will be placed under stricter tier three restrictions following an announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Worcestershire has been under tier two restrictions since the national lockdown ended earlier this month but will move up a tier from midnight tonight following a rise in cases. Tier three restrictions ban households from mixing indoors and outdoors but up to six people could meet in outdoor spaces such as parks or public gardens. Pubs and restaurants will all have to close except for those offering a takeaway or delivery service. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, soft play areas and bingo halls will all be forced to close.
REDDITCH will be placed under stricter tier three restrictions following an announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Worcestershire has been under tier two restrictions since the national lockdown ended earlier this month but will move up a tier from midnight tonight following a rise in cases. Tier three restrictions ban households from mixing indoors and outdoors but up to six people could meet in outdoor spaces such as parks or public gardens. Pubs and restaurants will all have to close except for those offering a takeaway or delivery service. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, soft play areas and bingo halls will all be forced to close.
Across Worcestershire cases of Covid-19 are on the rise. There were 945 new cases of Covid-19 in the week before Christmas, which was an increase of 37 per cent on the previous week. Malvern Hills District that includes Tenbury saw an even greater increase of 137 per cent in the week alone. Meanwhile, pressure on NHS services are growing and are at the same levels seen earlier in the year at the start of the pandemic. This is alongside usual winter pressures. “We are seeing numbers of cases going up sharply in areas which is really concerning,” said Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire.
BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to act now to protect everyone and the NHS over Christmas as Covid-19 cases rise. Across Worcestershire, there were 945 new cases of Covid-19 last week, which is an increase of 37 per cent on the previous week. Meanwhile, pressure on NHS services are growing and are at the same levels seen earlier in the year at the start of the pandemic this is alongside usual winter pressures. Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire said: “We are seeing numbers of cases going up sharply in areas which is really concerning. “We know it’s hard and we all want to see our friends and wider families at this time of year, especially after a long time of being apart. However, the increase we are seeing in numbers brings with it an increase in risk. We know the virus only goes where people go, so please stay safe this Christmas by staying at home in your usual household or support bubbles if you are choosing to see another hou