COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report

• A total of 195 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 largest number of positive tests in the last week was found in 10 to 19 year olds, closely followed by 30 to 39 year olds • This week’s national weekly average for infection rates per 100,000 population is 23.0. Northamptonshire’s rate is higher at 28.9. In it is significantly higher at 52.7 and in at 40.2. • Everyone in can now get free regular rapid lateral flow tests for themselves and their families without having symptoms.

Data up to 02 May 2021 Four Step Roadmap

Step 1 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 th On Monday 12 April residents of Northamptonshire 8-29 Changes Not before Not before 17 May Not before and across England took Step 2 on the four-step March on 29 March 12 April *Review of social 21 June ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown. distancing The next step will not be before 17 May and will only Children back to Rule of 6 or 2 Opening of non- Most legal restrictions on Government hopes to be be taken if the COVID-19 data shows that it is safe to School/College households meet essential shops meeting others outdoors in a position to remove all do so. So far the data is encouraging. outdoors hairdressers, will be lifted, although legal limits on social gyms, zoos, gatherings of over 30 contact holiday campsites people will remain illegal. and personal care Indoors, the ‘Rule of 6’ or Only when the government is sure that it is safe to services 2 households will apply move from each step to the next will the final 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/exercis facilities open and mourners. but the highest risk reopen remaining successfully e with one person formally organised Weddings, sectors will be able to premises, including outside your outdoor sports receptions and reopen nightclubs, and ease the • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective 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 hospitalisations which would put unsustainable Care home End of ‘stay at Hospitality Up to 30 people will be pressure on the NHS residents – one home’ rule but work venues serve able to attend weddings, regular visitor from home if can people outdoors receptions and wakes, as • Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally and no holidays well as funerals changed by new Variants of Concern

2 Step 2: Current Rules and Guidance

3 Take Care in the Open Air • Have you spotted our COVID-19 safety awareness campaign ‘Take care in the Open air’? • Now we are allowed to mix outdoors in groups of up to six or two households, we are reminding residents to stay alert, stay 2m apart, avoid face to face and physical contact, not to share drinks, avoid shouting and to be aware of surface transmission. • In a bid to stop the spread we are also advising residents to use contactless payments where possible, sanitise/wash their hands and discard face coverings safely in the bin.

4 Understand How The Virus Spreads

• The main way of spreading COVID-19 is through close contact with an infected person. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) containing the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be breathed in by another person. • Surfaces and belongings can also be contaminated with COVID-19, when people who are infected cough or sneeze near them or if they touch them. If you have COVID-19, there is a risk that you will spread the virus onto surfaces such as furniture, benches or door handles, even if you do not touch them directly. The next person to touch that surface may then become infected. • Even if you try and avoid other people, you cannot guarantee that you will not come into contact with the virus. That is why you need to follow all of the government's guidance all of the time, even when you feel well, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is especially important if you live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.

5 Everything We Do Is Stopping The Spread

• Put your mind at rest, get a regular test! Twice weekly testing will be a part of normal life for the foreseeable future in Northamptonshire and across the nation – let’s just get on with it and make it part of our weekly routine. Everyone in England can now get free regular rapid lateral flow tests for themselves and their families without having symptoms. As we proceed forwards through each step of the ‘roadmap’ it’s one of the tools in our armoury to give us the confidence to venture out and mix safely. It works by helping identify cases quickly so people can isolate and stop further spread. If you are somebody who attends secondary school, goes out to work, is responsible for a child who attends secondary or primary school, is visiting a care home, is planning on being in the company of those who might be vulnerable to the virus or simply somebody who wants to make sure they are doing everything they can to stop the spread as they go about their daily business - there's no excuse not to help yourself and those around you lower the risk by doing a test twice weekly. It’s the only way to really know if you are infectious. It takes thirty minutes for a result and the more you do it, the easier it gets. You can get the tests from your local test site, local pharmacies, or you can order the tests for home delivery on gov.uk. If positive, the test means you are infectious and must start self-isolating at home immediately and complete 10 days of self-isolation. You must also immediately book a PCR test to confirm the result and self-isolate in the meantime. It is also critical that you register your results regardless of the outcome. That way we can effectively monitor the spread of the virus across the county.

• Parents of school aged children: Make sure you and your family meet at a safe distance with others outside and strictly no sleepovers! Evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people (the rule of six) or two households are currently allowed. Those who are already in a support bubble will count as one household. However, people from different households will still need to socially distance from each other - keeping two metres apart. This may be hard for youngsters to understand, particularly if they are in the same bubble at school, however this is because a school operates within strict guidelines as a COVID-19 secure setting, unlike a park or a garden which aren’t set up to be COVID-19 secure. Contract tracing data shows that sleepovers between friends can play a big part in rising cases in youngsters. Please follow the rules by not having sleepovers and protect your children and their friends, as well as yourselves, from COVID-19.

• Please respect the staff and funeral organisers who have your safety at the forefront of all current and future COVID-19 guidance. New guidance for managing funerals will be published next week which will allow for higher numbers to attend a service. However, due to social distancing guidelines all attendees are still advised to remain 2m away from anyone they do not live with (unless they have formed a support bubble).When organising a funeral service, it is really important to remember that for indoor venues in Northamptonshire, and across the nation, we are still only legally permitted to host as many people as can safely be accommodated within social distancing regulations. This is for your safety and the safety of all attendees.

6 Free Rapid COVID-19 Testing • Everyone in Northamptonshire can now access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing. The tests are available for home use or at test centres, workplaces and schools. You can get these tests from your local test site, pharmacies or order them on gov.uk and get home deliveries. 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 slots must be booked online in advance and priority is given to those who are unable to work from home and/or adults in a childcare support bubble. It is advisable for those people working in these sectors to take up the opportunity to get tested twice weekly to help to reduce the spread of the virus. • The community-based testing sites, as well as being a collection point for test kit orders, are listed below. Please see further details on the website to check any temporary changes. • Sessions House, County Hall, • Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby • Leisure Centre, South Northamptonshire • Leisure Centre, Daventry • North Pavilion Drive, • Hall Park, • The testing site at Redwell Leisure Centre Wellingborough has now closed with a new central Wellingborough location being set up from the week starting 10th May

7 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.

8 Total and Weekly Summary A total of 49,032 positive cases have been identified in Northamptonshire to date. Of this number, 195 were identified in the last week, 26th April to 2nd May 2021.

This graph shows the total number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Northamptonshire each week since 8th February 2021.

Weekly case numbers fell rapidly during February and have been on a slow declining trend since the end of March.

This week’s case total represents a decrease of 14% when compared to the previous week and is 52% lower than that seen in the week of 29th March 2021.

Please note that the latest week’s figures may increase, as data for the most recent days is subject to reporting delays.

9 Rates of Cases by Area

The data in this table shows us what the total and most recent Cumulative Rate per Compared to Compared to week’s positive COVID-19 case numbers for each area in rate per 100,000 23 Northants rate England rate 23 Area Northamptonshire would look like if they all had the exact same 100,000 to Apr to 29 23 Apr to 29 Apr to 29 Apr population size (100,000). 29 Apr 2021 Apr 2021 Apr 2021 2021

Northamptonshire 6,501 28.9 - Sig higher Northamptonshire’s infection rate per 100,000 population for the most recent week up to 29th April is 28.9 which is 6,245 35.0 Similar Sig higher significantly higher than the national average (23.0). Corby 8,082 40.2 Similar Sig higher ’s rate (23.7) is similar to the national average while North Northamptonshire’s rate (35.0) is 5,100 20.1 Similar Similar significantly higher than the national average. Both similar to Kettering 5,980 31.4 Similar Similar the Northamptonshire average.

Wellingborough 6,277 52.7 Sig higher Sig higher All district and borough area infection rates are significantly West Northamptonshire 6,722 23.7 Similar Similar higher than or similar to the national average. Wellingborough and Corby’s rates are significantly higher than the national Daventry 4,982 26.8 Similar Similar average. Wellingborough’s rate is significantly higher than the Northampton 8,120 24.0 Similar Similar Northamptonshire average.

South Northamptonshire 4,979 20.1 Similar Similar Corby’s case rate has improved over the last few weeks and Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard Wellingborough now has the highest rate in Northamptonshire. *Please note that the word sig means We must all continue to adhere to the rules and try to reduce ‘significant’, which is a statistical term that any risk of transmission. simply means that the research is valid.

10 Rate of Weekly Lab Confirmed Cases This graph includes all testing data up to 29th April. Recent data shows that Northamptonshire’s rate of cases in the last seven days remains above the England average. Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton and Wellingborough currently have weekly total rates above the England average. In the last week, all district and borough areas have seen a decreasing or plateauing trend in case rates except for Daventry, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough, where case rates have started to rise. Wellingborough’s rate is currently the highest of the seven district and borough areas and has increased in the last week. Corby’s rate is a close second and has shown a slight decrease in recent days following Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard. a brief upturn trend.

• 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.

11 Total Cases by Area

This table shows the total number of people who have Total cases Cases in week 26 Change from tested positive for COVID-19 up to 2nd May 2021 in Area to 2 May Apr to 2 May previous Northamptonshire by area. 2021 2021 week The most recent week’s data shows a decrease in cases of Northamptonshire 49,032 195 Decrease 14% when compared to the previous week. North Northamptonshire 21,778 103 Decrease Northamptonshire’s total weekly case trend continues to decline slowly from a plateauing trend seen since the Corby 5,850 29 Decrease beginning of March. East Northamptonshire 4,826 15 Decrease Kettering 6,090 27 Decrease In the most recent week, North Northamptonshire’s case total decreased as a whole, however, Wellingborough saw Wellingborough 5,012 32 No change no change in cases when compared to the previous week. West Northamptonshire 27,254 92 Decrease West Northamptonshire saw a decrease in overall case total but experienced increases within Daventry and South Daventry 4,289 24 Increase Northamptonshire. Northampton 18,250 46 Decrease Please note that extreme caution must be applied when South Northamptonshire 4,715 22 Increase viewing week on week changes. To see the overall changes in areas in context please see slides 18, 19 and 20.

12 Percent changes in recent 7-day case rates This chart shows percentage changes in case rates over the last 3 months up to 29th April 2021. Percentage changes are calculated by comparing cases to the previous non-overlapping 7-day period. It shows that Northamptonshire’s case rates have, since mid-January, decreased following the implementation of national lockdown policies. However, Northamptonshire saw a slight increase in case rates at the start of stage one of Step 1 on the ‘Four Step Roadmap’ of easing lockdown measures in March 2021. The most recent week’s data indicates a slow decreasing trend in case rates.

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

13 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.

Overall, the age group with the most positive tests was 10 to 19 year olds, closely followed by 30 to 39 year olds.

Out of the ten-year age bands, secondary school age children have the highest case numbers but working age adults are a close second.

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.

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 number 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 7 COVID-19 patients occupied hospital beds in Northamptonshire on 4th May 2021 which represents an increase when compared to the previous week (6 beds occupied on 27th April 2021).

15 Deaths Within 28 Days of Positive Test This table shows total number of deaths of people who had a Total deaths Deaths in week Change from positive test result for COVID-19 and died within 28 days of the Area to 02 May 26 Apr to 02 previous first positive test, reported up to 2nd May 2021 for 2021 May 2021 week Northamptonshire by area. Northamptonshire 1,397 0 Decrease There were no deaths recorded in Northamptonshire in the North Northamptonshire 642 0 No change week up to 2nd May 2021. East Northamptonshire and South Corby 125 0 No change Northamptonshire have seen no deaths since mid-March and Corby has seen no deaths since 5th April. East Northamptonshire 185 0 No change Kettering 194 0 No change Due to the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly and most vulnerable people and the positive impact lockdown Wellingborough 138 0 No change has had on community transmission, the number of deaths West Northamptonshire 755 0 Decrease continue to reduce to levels similar to that seen at the start of Daventry 135 0 No change the pandemic and end of the first wave. Northampton 508 0 Decrease We must continue to work together more than ever to keep South Northamptonshire 112 0 No change numbers of deaths low as recent scientific evidence suggests that new variants of COVID-19 in the UK may be deadlier than Source: Gov.uk Coronavirus Dashboard 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. • The latest week’s figures are likely to increase further as data for the most recent days are subject to reporting delays. 16 Education Status

This chart shows the trend in 7-day average cases recorded in education settings in the last 28 days for both staff and pupils.

It shows that weekly average case volumes decreased rapidly in the first week of April but started to rise again after the Easter holidays, particularly in pupils. There has been a decreasing trend in the last week with a slight increase in total cases in the most recent day. These figures may increase further due to reporting delays.

The table shows the proportion of education settings % of Education settings % of Education settings having recorded at least one case over a 4-week period. Date range recorded at least 1 case in recorded no cases in the 4 The proportion of schools with recent cases has the 4 week period week period plateaued since the end of March. 7 Apr to 5 May 2021 9% 91% On 5th May 2021, zero education settings were closed. 31 Mar to 28 Apr 2021 9% 91% 24 Mar to 21 Apr 2021 13% 88% 17 Mar to 14 Apr 2021 15% 85%

• The latest week’s figures are likely to increase further as data for the most recent days are subject to reporting delays.

17 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. 18 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 Northamptonshire.

• 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.

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

If each community had the exact same size Rank Name population (100,000) in Northamptonshire, 1 Queensway (Wboro) this graphic shows how COVID-19 case 2 Kingsthorpe (Nton) numbers in the last 14 days would have 3 Corby Village & Weldon (Cor) changed in each community compared to 4 Westone (Nton) the previous 14 days. 5 Boothville & Spinney Hill (Nton) 6 King's Cliffe, Woodnewton & Easton (EN) We have seen decreases in case rates in 7 East Hunsbury (Nton) most of our areas in Northamptonshire. 8 Kettering Avondale Grange (Kett) 9 East & (SN) However, the 15 areas with the greatest 10 Daventry South & Southbrook (Dav) increases in case rates are listed next to the map. 11 Stornton & Sixfields (Nton) 12 Abington (Nton) Areas with increases in rates of infection 13 Towcester West & (SN) show us where we need to prioritise and 14 Geddington, Rushton & Stoke Albany (Kett) focus our support locally. 15 Brackley South (SN)

• 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. 20 Summary of Outbreaks 03/05/2021 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 Northants total Case total

Outbreaks 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 4 63 Care home/service 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 Childcare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Workplace 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 59 Education 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hospital/healthcare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Source: PHE, Test & Trace, School Cell, Line lists from EHO's & Community IPC care home Cell

• 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 in Care home and Hospital/Healthcare settings will remain active for 14 days, if no activity noticed there are pended for next 14days before closure. • Outbreaks in Workplace, Education, Childcare & other settings will remain active for 7days, if no activity noticed there are pended for next 7days before closure. • Although outbreaks have decreased this week and are related to a particular setting - it is important to note that the majority of cases are due to community transmission. 21 Ramadan and COVID-19 Vaccine

Visit here for the Ramadan Health Factsheet 2021 for advice about Ramadan and the COVID-19 vaccine.

22 23 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 North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire websites.

• 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 and Tiktok @publichealthnorthants

23 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 will be fined £1,000.

24