COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report

• National lockdown restrictions continue in place until Monday 29th March • A total of 548 Northamptonshire residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week • Mixing between households continues to be the greatest cause of transmission locally • The age group with the most positive tests in the last week was 30 to 39 year olds for both men and women

Data up to 7 March 2021 Four Step Roadmap: Four Tests along the Way

Step 1 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 th On Monday 8 March residents of Northamptonshire 8-29 Changes Not before Not before 17 May Not before and across took the first stage of step one on March on 29 March 12 April *Review of social 21 June the four-step ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown. distancing National lockdown restrictions continue in place until Children back to Rule of 6 or 2 Opening of non- Most legal restrictions on Government hopes to be Monday 29th March and we must all remain vigilant. School/College households meet essential retail meeting others outdoors in a position to remove all outdoors will be lifted, although legal limits on social gatherings of over 30 contact people will remain illegal. Only when the government is sure that it is safe to Indoors, the ‘Rule of 6’ or move from one step to the next will the final 2 households will apply decision be made. The decision will be based on four tests: Outdoor Outdoor activity Funerals up to 30 Most businesses in all Government hopes to • The vaccine deployment programme continues recreation/exercise facilities open and mourners. but the highest risk reopen remaining successfully with one person formally organised Weddings, sectors will be able to premises, including • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective outside your outdoor sports receptions and reopen nightclubs, and ease the household commemorative restrictions on large in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those events 15 events and performances vaccinated that apply in Step 3 • Infection rates do not risk a surge in Care home End of ‘stay at Hospitality Up to 30 people will be hospitalisations which would put unsustainable residents – one home’ rule but venues serve able to attend weddings, pressure on the NHS regular visitor work from home if people outdoors receptions and wakes, as • Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally can and no holidays well as funerals changed by new Variants of Concern

2 Step 1: Monday March 8 – 29th 2021

3 Everything we do is stopping the spread

• Please keep a two metre distance from those outside your household or bubble outdoors until the government guidance dictates otherwise. Please do not put others at risk on Mothering Sunday or any other day, even if one or both of you have received one or both doses of the vaccine. It won’t be long before we can meet in gardens or outdoors as a household or group of six but until then please just meet one other adult outdoors at distance. On Mothering Sunday the rules allow for you to meet your mum on a bench at distance for a drink in the local park or any outdoor space. If we all continue to play our part, and only if, will we be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar. • Despite specific easing of measures this week, residents of Northamptonshire and across England must continue to ‘Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives’ until March 29th. You may only leave the house for limited reasons permitted in law. This rule applies regardless of St Patricks’ Day on March 17th or any other day or occasion which requires celebrations, apart from weddings and funerals. • People who are clinically extremely vulnerable, NHS staff and carers who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid-19, are being urged to contact the NHS to arrange a jab. It’s not too late to get the jab even if you originally decided not to have it and have now changed your mind. For those who are eligible, the easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid- vaccination. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location which suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.

4 Keep your Distance

• As the weather improves it’s important to remember to keep your distance from others while exercising outdoors.

2 Metres

5 Rapid COVID-19 Testing • Six COVID-19 Rapid Testing Centres are open in Northamptonshire for key workers who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19. Further sites across the county will open over the coming weeks. • The community based testing sites are at: • Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Northampton • Lodge Park Sports Centre and Hazelwood Neighbourhood Centre, • Brackley Leisure Centre, South Northamptonshire • Redwell Leisure Centre, Wellingborough • The University of Northampton, Northampton - restricted to use by students and university staff only from Monday 8th March • The test is called a Lateral Flow Test and involves a swab of the mouth and nose and provides a result within 30 minutes. • The aim of testing people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms is to identify those who may be infectious without being aware in order to reduce spread of the virus. If positive, the test means you are infectious and must start self-isolating at home immediately and complete 10 days of self-isolation. • The test does not tell you if you are COVID-free so all COVID-secure measures must be exercised even if you get a negative result. You must continue to follow COVID guidelines and remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering indoors and maintain a 2m distance from others. • Testing slots must be booked online in advance and priority is given to workers in the following sectors: Health or social care, transportation, education or childcare (if not receiving regular rapid tests via the workplace), essential shops, supermarkets or financial services, food production or processing, warehousing, packing or distribution, essential public sector services including waste, bin collections, security, construction, utilities or communications and agency workers. It is advisable for those people working in these sectors to take up the opportunity to get tested on a weekly basis to help to reduce the spread of the virus. • Information leaflets at the sites are available in English, Lithuanian and Romanian, Russian and Polish.

6 Got Symptoms? Get Tested

• To find out more information about local testing sites visit: Northamptonshire COVID-19 Testing Update.

• Tests can be booked online at NHS COVID-19 or by calling 119. Home testing kits can also be ordered subject to availability.

• It is vital that when you leave the house to be tested you must go straight to the testing centre and return home immediately to self- isolate until you get your results.

7 Total and Weekly Summary A total of 45,848 positive cases have been identified in Northamptonshire to date. Of this number, 548 were identified in the last week, 1st to 7th March 2021.

This graph shows the total number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Northamptonshire each week since 14th December 2020. Weekly case numbers increased significantly during the course of December and into early January, however, cases have declined steadily over the last few weeks and the latest weekly case total is 71% lower than that seen in the week of 1st February 2021. The latest week’s figures are likely to increase further as data for the most recent days are subject to reporting delays.

8 Rates of Cases by District and Borough

The data in this table shows us what the total and Cumulative Rate per Compared to Compared to most recent week’s positive COVID-19 case numbers rate per 100,000 26 county rate 26 England rate 26 for our districts and boroughs would look like if each Area 100,000 to Feb to 4 Mar Feb to 4 Mar Feb to 4 Mar area had the exact same population size (100,000). 4 Mar 2021 2021 2021 2021 Northamptonshire’s infection rate per 100,000 Northamptonshire 6,059 71.8 - Sig higher population for the most recent week is 71.8, which is significantly higher than the national average (60.3). Corby 7,105 134.3 Sig higher Sig higher Daventry 4,695 48.9 Similar Similar All district and borough infection rates, except for South Northamptonshire’s, are significantly higher East Northamptonshire 4,645 64.5 Similar Similar than or similar to the national average. Northampton 5,543 59.9 Similar Similar and Corby’s rates are significantly higher than the national average. Northampton 7,695 85.5 Similar Sig higher South Northamptonshire 4,801 30.7 Sig lower Sig lower Corby continues to have one of the highest case rates in England, despite decreasing case numbers, Wellingborough 5,804 74.0 Similar Similar meaning rates elsewhere are falling faster than they Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard are in Corby (although this has been improving in *Please note that the word sig means ‘significant’, recent days). which is a statistical term that simply means that the research is valid.

9 Total Cases by District and Borough

This table shows the total number of people who have Total cases Cases in week tested positive for COVID-19 up to 7th March 2021 in each Change from Area to 7 Mar 1 Mar to 7 Mar of Northamptonshire’s seven districts and boroughs. previous week 2021 2021 Northamptonshire’s total weekly cases remains high but Northamptonshire 45,848 548 Decrease shows a decline of 71% when compared to the rate seen Corby 5,167 93 Decrease in the week of 1st February 2021. Daventry 4,057 50 Decrease Northamptonshire as a whole, and all districts and East Northamptonshire 4,414 62 Decrease boroughs have seen a decrease in case numbers when Kettering 5,686 87 Decrease compared to the previous week. Northampton 17,332 172 Decrease Please note that extreme caution must be applied when South Northamptonshire 4,545 23 Decrease viewing week on week changes. To see the overall changes in areas in context please see slides 16, 17 and Wellingborough 4,647 61 Decrease 18.

10 Percentage changes in recent 7-day case rates

This chart shows percentage changes in case rates over the last 3 months up to 4th March 2021. Percentage changes are calculated by comparing to the previous non-overlapping 7-day period. It shows that Northamptonshire’s case rates increased rapidly in December and early January and have since been decreasing following the implementation of national lockdown policies. The rate of decrease slowed in mid-February but has since accelerated.

* Data for the last 5 days are not displayed as they will be incomplete. Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard

11 Rate of Weekly Lab Confirmed Cases

This graph includes all testing data. Recent data shows that Northamptonshire’s rate of cases in the last seven days remains above the England average, however the gap between the Northamptonshire and England rates has narrowed recently. Corby, East Northamptonshire, Northampton and Wellingborough currently have weekly total rates above the England average.

All districts and boroughs have seen a decreasing trend in case rates over the last couple of weeks.

Although Corby’s rate has seen a notable decrease in the last couple of weeks, it remains the highest in the county by a wide margin. Northampton’s rate is currently the second highest in the county.

Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard.

* These are 7-day rolling total numbers of cases as a rate per 100,000 population – this is done to even out the fluctuations we see in testing volumes on weekdays vs weekends. 12 Recent Cases by Age and Gender

This graph shows the number of positive test results for COVID-19 in Northamptonshire over the last 28 days by gender and by ten-year age band.

Overall, more women than men tested positive for COVID- 19 in the last 28 days.

The age group with the most positive tests was 30 to 39 year olds for both men and women. Case numbers are currently highest amongst working age adults. More hospital admissions and deaths are being observed in this age category.

Over the last 4-week period there have been steady decreases in numbers of cases amongst people aged 60+.

*Please refer to the gov.uk coronavirus dashboard heat map for more information on cases in specific age groups.

13 Deaths Within 28 Days of Positive Test

This table shows total number of deaths of people who had a positive test result for COVID-19 and died within 28 days of Total deaths Deaths in week Change from the first positive test, reported up to 7th March, 2021 for Area to 07 Mar 01 Mar to 07 previous each of Northamptonshire’s seven districts and boroughs. 2021 Mar 2021 week Most districts and boroughs have seen a decrease in Northamptonshire 1,363 8 Decrease numbers of deaths when compared to the previous week, Corby 121 0 Decrease however, South Northamptonshire saw an increase with one death in the district, and Wellingborough had no Daventry 133 0 Decrease change recorded when compared to the previous week. East Northamptonshire 184 0 Decrease Due to the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly Kettering 190 3 Decrease and most vulnerable people, the number of deaths have Northampton 490 2 Decrease started to reduce more rapidly in recent weeks.

South Northamptonshire 112 1 Increase We must continue to work together now more than ever to Wellingborough 133 2 No change reduce numbers of deaths as recent scientific evidence suggests that new variants of COVID-19 in the UK may be Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard deadlier than the original virus.

* People who died more than 28 days after their first positive test are not included, whether or not COVID-19 was the cause of death.

14 Hospital Beds Occupied by Confirmed COVID-19 Patients This chart shows the trend in numbers of beds at Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals occupied by COVID-19 patients since 1st August 2020.

It shows that the number of beds occupied due to COVID-19 remained relatively steady over the late summer through to mid-October, at which point numbers of patients in hospital began to increase sharply.

The numbers of patients in hospital due to COVID-19 has been on a decreasing trend since mid-January, although the rate of decline has recently slowed. The latest data shows a total of 90 COVID-19 patients occupied hospital beds in Northamptonshire on 9th March 2021.

Bed occupancy has now decreased to levels last seen at the beginning of November 2020, however there is still demand for Intensive Care beds.

15 Cases by Community – Last 28 Days

The chart shows the local communities within Northamptonshire where COVID-19 infections over the last 28 days are highest.

Knowing the areas with the highest case numbers in the last 28 days help us to prioritise and focus our support locally.

Please note that the thresholds for the colour coding on the map have been updated to better illustrate recent figures. This map cannot be compared against previous reports.

16 Case Rates by Community – Last 28 Days per 100,000 population

These graphics show what positive COVID- 19 case numbers over the last 28 days would look like if each local community had the exact same size population (100,000).

The map illustrates the 28-day infection rate per 100,000 population across the whole county.

* Please note that the numbers shown on this page represent the best possible estimate we can make from a wider range of numbers, because there is always a margin of error when calculating cases per 100,000 population – particularly where actual case numbers are small.

17 Change in Case Rates by Community – Fortnightly per 100,000 population

If each community had the exact same size population (100,000) in Northamptonshire, Rank Name this graphic shows how COVID-19 case 1 Geddington, Rushton & Stoke Albany (Kett) numbers in the last 14 days would have 2 Clipston, Naseby & Yelvertoft (Dav) changed in each community compared to the previous 14 days. 3 Cotton End, Brackmills & Hardingstone (Nton) 4 Middleton Cheney & Chipping Warden (SN) We have seen decreases in case rates in most of our areas in the county. 5 Abington Vale (Nton)

However, 5 areas with increases in case rates are listed next to the map.

Areas with increases in rates of infection show us where we need to prioritise and focus our support locally.

• Please note that the numbers shown on this page represent the best possible estimate we can make from a wider range of numbers, because there is always a margin of error when calculating cases per 100,000 population – particularly where actual case numbers are small.

18 Summary of Outbreaks 08/03/2021

Two or more cases linked by place and time to that setting. Totals are 28 day counts for care homes and hospitals, and 14 day counts for all other locations.

In the last 28 days Corby Daventry East Northants Kettering Northampton South Northants Wellingborough County total Case total

Outbreaks 0 2 2 3 5 3 3 18 153 Care home/service 0 2 2 3 3 3 3 16 142 Childcare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Workplace 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 Education 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 Hospital/healthcare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

• Please note that this summary covers all situations classified as ‘active’. An active situation has had at least 1 positive case within the previous 28 days. • Outbreaks are pended if there are no new cases reported for Care homes/Health care in 14 days and 7 days for others. • Although outbreaks have decreased this week across all Districts and Boroughs except for South Northamptonshire - it is important to note that the majority of cases are due to community household transmission. 19 Joint Working Against COVID-19

• Environmental Health Officers from across the county and have been out in force in Corby this week as part of Corby Borough Council and Public Health Northamptonshire’s ongoing work to stop the spread of Coronavirus. • Officers have already attended a number of warehouse/logistics premises, larger supermarkets and other retail premises, and will continue to do so for the remainder of the week. The teams are engaging with workers and shoppers, cracking down on those not complying with government requirements to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and offer guidance where car sharing is unavoidable. • They have also been present at Weldon Pocket Park and East Carlton Country Park ensuring that rules around social distancing and mixing of bubbles/ households are being adhered to. • Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued where necessary and guidance reinforced. • Local residents are also part of the team and we wish to say ‘Thank you’ to all those abiding by the rules, supporting others to do so when isolating, and helping us to progress towards the next step in the roadmap out of lockdown – Keep up the good work!

20 21 COVID-19: Keep Up to Date

• Watch: Public Health Northamptonshire’s weekly press conference live streamed on YouTube with cross county partners from the NHS, Police and Education.

• Listen: To BBC Radio Northampton’s interviews with Director of Public Health Lucy Wightman twice weekly: Tuesday live at 08.10am and a pre-record aired at 5.10pm on Thursdays.

• Read: Northamptonshire’s Director of Public Health, Lucy Wightman’s weekly column in the Northampton Chronicle and Echo online and in the newspaper for the very latest insights and advice.

• Study: Our weekly surveillance reports on the NCC website.

• Look out for: Our advertising campaigns on buses, at bus stops, GOMO vans and i-walkers, (digital screens on vans and people that share our messages), Geo-locate techniques using location messaging on mobile devices and both digital and non-digital outdoor advertising boards.

• Follow us: on Twitter @NorthantsPH and Facebook @PublicHealthNorthants.

21 Help, Guidance and Fines

• Government Financial support is now available for eligible individuals who have to self-isolate for up to 14 days. Details of financial support can be found here.

• Northamptonshire County Council has put together a Self-isolation support pack for residents.

• Those who do not follow Test and Trace guidance, or those who breach self-isolation, or lockdown legislation will be fined £1,000.

22