Weekly Coronavirus Cases Across Harborough Double

Two mobile testing facilities have been set-up in Market Harborough Pic: Andy Carpenter

The number of new cases of Coronavirus in the Harborough District has more than doubled in a week.

Figures from public health England show they rose from 9.7 to 20.5 per 100,000 people in the seven day to July 6^th.

Although it is one of the biggest increases in the country, health bosses say the numbers involved are small and well below the national average, so do not represent an ‘outbreak.’

The rise is being attributed to a higher rate in testing, possibly due to concern around the Leicester lockdown area, and small clusters of Covid-19 cases in workplaces.

The Public Health team at Leicestershire County Council says it continues to monitor, advise and ask the public to get tested if they have symptoms, and self-isolate if contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, spoke to Hfm:

As of today there have been 372 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the Harborough District since the start of the pandemic.

Leader of the Oppositon, Cllr Phil Knowles told Hfm: “The reassurances and commentary from the office of the Director of Public Health at Leicestershire County Council are welcome and reassuring, particularly as many residents will have seen reference to this matter in the national press some 24 hours or so earlier.

“The important thing is that we stay vigilant and adhere to the rules.  Covid 19 is a killer, it can’t be underestimated.  Enjoy socialising, enjoy meeting friends and family, enjoy getting out and about but do stay safe so that together we can beat this.”