By Signs of Covid slowdown, shows data
North East Lincolnshire could be close to a peak in the Covid-19 infection rate, according to the latest data.
The area has seen its biggest week-on-week increase in cases that have been reported, however the growth rate appears to be slowing.
That is according to a report released by the council that was published on Monday.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed Grimsby‘s Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital was nearing capacity and described the situation as “very challenging”.
Figures showed 91 Covid inpatients across the trust’s Grimsby and Scunthorpe sites (roughly half in each) – up from 69 a week ago,
A total of 2,405 residents of North East Lincolnshire have had a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19, which is an increase of 852 cases over the last week, according to the report.
It continues: “The seven day rate of new cases now stands at 377 per 100,000. This has increased from 306 per 100,000 one week ago and has doubled in 14 days compared to a doubling rate of seven days the previous week.
“Therefore although it is the highest figure that we have seen it represents a significant slowdown in the overall rate of growth suggesting that we are close to a peak in the infection rate in North East Lincolnshire.”
So far since October 1 North East Lincolnshire has seen an even spread across the working age population, but the rate of growth may now have stopped in that population, states the report.
“By contrast we are continuing to see a rapid increase in the number of cases in people over the age of 65.
“This is likely to put a significant burden on our hospital services over the coming weeks.”
Geographically cases are occurring in all parts of the borough with the highest numbers over the last two weeks reported in Haverstoe, South, Heneage and Scartho wards.
The number of cases in North East Lincolnshire care homes has grown ‘significantly’ in the last week, with eight care homes currently treating a total of 60 residents for Covid-19. This is the highest number of cases within care homes since the spring.
“We are now experiencing regular, small outbreaks in a range of settings including social clubs, spas and gyms. However the largest number of outbreaks are occurring in workplaces and schools,” states the report. “The disease is now largely endemic across the North East Lincolnshire population.”
