Covid cases have fallen slightly in Devon, ending a recent period of increases across the county.

Figures for the week to last Thursday [3 February] show the rate in the Devon County Council area dropped five per cent, along with nine per cent in Plymouth and 14 per cent in Torbay.

However, a reduction in covid across the rest of the country means Devon is still above the UK average of 864 cases per 100,000 people. Devon’s is 1,163, while the figures are slightly higher in Torbay (1,216) and Plymouth (1,223).

This week’s picture is slightly more varied at district level, where two council areas recorded increases – West Devon by a marginal three per cent and a jump of 14 per cent in East Devon.

Torridge had the biggest drop in cases of more than a quarter, while infections also reduced by over 10 per cent in both Teignbridge and Mid Devon.

The figures mean Torridge is now the least prevalent area for the virus in Devon at 844 cases per 100,000, just overtaking West Devon which has a rate of 859. Despite a tiny fall, Exeter (1,533) remains Devon’s most infectious area.

Beforethis week, much of the recent rise in cases appeared to be among people aged under 40. But cases in this age group are also falling, with quite sharp drop in the very youngest.

HOSPITALISATIONS

The most recent data from Tuesday 1 February shows 226 patients with covid are in Devon’s hospitals, a reduction of 29 from a week ago. The majority – 137 – are being treated in Plymouth.

Elsewhere, 46 patients are at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals, 27 in Torbay, 10 in North Devon and six at Devon Partnership mental health trust services. Of the total number of patients, only four are in ventilation beds, a rise of two on last week.

DEATHS

Twenty-three more people died in the county within 28 days of testing positive for covid in the latest complete weekly period (up to Wednesday 2 February). Sixteen were in the Devon County Council area, three in Torbay and four in Plymouth.

A total of 1,576 people in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) have died within 28 days of a positive test since the pandemic began (as of 6 February).

VACCINATIONS

The number of people aged over 12 who have received their booster (third) covid vaccination is 70 per cent in the Devon County Council area, 65 per cent in Torbay and 60 per cent in Plymouth.

Take-up for at least one dose of a vaccine is 88 per cent in the Devon County Council area, 86 per cent in Torbay and 85 per cent in Plymouth.

The proportion of people who have had two jabs is 84 per cent in Devon, 81 per cent in Torbay and 79 per cent in Plymouth.