SOMERSET'S health bosses are urging people in Sedgemoor to be cautious after it emerged the district has the second highest Covid-19 rate in the country.

The latest figures issued yesterday (Wednesday) show the district saw 732 new confirmed cases in the seven days to August 7.

The represents an infection rate of 593 per 100,000 of population - a sharp increase from the previous rate of 311.1 per 100,000.

Within Sedgemoor, the Bridgwater area is notably higher than surrounding areas.

In contrast the rest of the county remains below the regional average.

WHO IS BEING INFECTED?

About two-thirds of the cases are in young people (aged 15-34). Most of the people in these groups will have had one vaccination, but under 18s and some older people will be unvaccinated. This means they are more at risk of both contracting and passing on the virus than older, double vaccinated people.

Bridgwater has a relatively young population compared to the rest of the county, so likely to have higher levels of social contact within a population less protected by vaccination than other parts of the county.

WHY HAS THE RATE DOUBLED IN THE LAST WEEK?

Indications from contact tracing and other intelligence are that transmission is occurring through social contact in indoor locations such as some entertainment and hospitality premises and other enclosed spaces such as cars, for example when car sharing. The opening up of more commercial entertainment premises is likely to be a factor. County and district council officers are engaging with relevant businesses to check on the adequacy of Covid controls and to identify whether any additional measures are required.

ARE LARGE WORKPLACES A PROBLEM?

No, because there are high numbers of cases in the community, these are reflected in larger employers workforces, but there are few outbreaks within workplaces. Again transmission appears to be predominantly through social activity. The public health and Sedgemoor environmental health staff are working with businesses to assist in managing their situations. Most businesses are well-versed in managing cases and contacts effectively by now.

IS IT HINKLEY?

No. The Hinkley Point C construction site has excellent controls in place and extensive workforce testing. Cases have increased in recent weeks, but again this appears to reflect social transmission in the main, with very little evidence of transmission on site. Public Health England and the county and district councils routinely and regularly liaise with HPC to review Covid control on site.

WHAT ABOUT CARE HOMES?

There are no significant care home outbreaks in Sedgemoor.

ARE TOURISTS BRINGING COVID TO SOMERSET?

We know that significant numbers of people that have holidayed on the Somerset coast in recent weeks have subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, most of whom are not of course Somerset residents. It is likely that some tourists do arrive incubating Covid, and that other tourists are contracting Covid while here on holiday. It is a reminder that Covid isn’t on holiday, and that we all need to remain cautious to minimise the risk of being infected, especially in crowded and indoor locations.

WAS THE SOMEROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL A FACTOR?

Covid wardens who attended the festival reported good controls in place. Some transmission would be expected at this type of event without social distancing, as now permitted. However, any cases arising from this event will not yet be showing in the data.

WHAT ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE TAKEN?

Posters are being sent into Sedgemoor to be put into hotspots and there are boost to social media messages in target postcodes, so both residents and visitors get messages about Covid19, as well as engaging in media interviews.

WHAT STEPS CAN PEOPLE IN SEDGEMOOR TAKE?

  • Minimise social contacts indoors, keep practising social distancing and wear face coverings in crowded and indoor locations when appropriate.
  • Open windows and doors for ventilation to flush out Covid particles.
  • If you are planning to attend a night club or other crowded location, take a LFD test first and only attend if it is negative.
  • If you are car sharing, open windows and wash or sanitise your hands on arrival at your destination.
  • If you have tested positive you must isolate for 10 days. If you have symptoms that might be Covid, take a test. Be cautious, especially around people who may be more vulnerable.
  • Remember, vaccination reduces risk of serious illness, but it doesn’t stop transmission.