THE number of new cases of Covid-19 in Cumbria has fallen sharply compared to the previous week – suggesting the county has passed the peak of the latest wave.

There were 5,232 new cases recorded in the week ending January 14 - a decrease of 6,364 (or 55 per cent) - down from 11,596 the week before.

In the week ending January 18, the number of new patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in Cumbria decreased by 8 from the previous week while the average number of patients with Covid-19 in beds increased by 15 from the previous week.

As the situation slowly improves, the government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted as the nation moves to Plan A.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “It’s really pleasing to see the number of new cases falling as rapidly as they are in our county. Although I say this with caution – as cases are still much higher than they were in previous waves, and they’re still rising among primary aged children. So, we’re not out of the woods yet.

“Plan A does not mean all measures have been lifted. Testing, vaccinations, and self-isolation remain key to protecting ourselves from this virus and getting on with our lives as best we can.

“If you have had to delay getting a vaccination because you have had Covid and have had to wait 28 days, don’t worry, you can still come forward for your 1st, 2nd and booster vaccines. You’ll be made to feel welcome and have the chance to ask any questions.

“Additionally, anyone visiting a healthcare setting – whether it is a GP practice, a clinic, hospital or pharmacy or other – will be asked to keep wearing face coverings. This advice is not changing. And secondary schools in an outbreak are still being advised to use face coverings in classroom settings.”