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Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox believes the county has reached the peak of the current wave despite the number of new cases remaining high in the latest figures.  

In the week ending Friday 7 January, 11,575 new cases were recorded - an increase of 1,055 or 10% compared to the week previous (10,520 new cases), but Mr Cox says the data shows things may start to improve over the coming days and weeks.  

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “Although the latest data shows cases are still very high, we think the peak of this wave may have passed and we should begin to see rates fall now - though it is too early to know how schools going back might impact on this.  

“It’s important we all remain incredibly cautious over the coming weeks however and ensure case rates do indeed come down.  

“Continue to get tested regularly and self-isolate if you’re positive. Keep your distance from others wherever possible. Wash your hands regularly and wear face masks in busy public spaces.  

“Also, please make sure you get your first, second or booster vaccines as soon as you possibly can. If you haven’t had your first or second vaccine yet, it’s not too late. You won’t be judged or asked why by anyone - but please book it now.  

“Our NHS and care services remain under pressure and it’s important people know the NHS remains ready to care for you if you need help - but consider using 111 online for less urgent health concerns and be understanding of the pressures on the incredible NHS staff who are doing their very best in challenging circumstances.”  The full COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread. 

For the week ending 7 Jan: 

• For the 2nd week in a row, Allerdale had the greatest number of new cases (+2,521 new cases); 
• Allerdale, Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle and Copeland were above the regional average rate (North West 2,175 new cases per 100k population); 
• For the 2nd week in a row, Barrow-in-Furness and Copeland had the highest rates of new cases (2,946 and 2,745 new cases per 100k population, respectively); 
• For the 2nd week in a row, rates in all districts except Eden were above the national average rate (England 1,709 cases per 100k population);  
• For the 2nd week in a row, the 30-39 age group had the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria (+2004 new cases);  
• The 19-24 and 25-29 age group had the highest rates of new cases in Cumbria (4577 and 4540 new cases per 100k population, respectively);  
• New cases increased from the previous week in all age groups except 25-29 and 30-39; 
• New cases increased significantly by 91% in the 0-4 age group, 71% in the 12-18 age group, and 52% in the 5-11 age group;  
• New cases in the under 50 age group accounted for 70% of total new cases (the same as the previous week);  
• Overall, new cases in the under 50 age group increased by 10% and new cases in the 50+ age group increased by 11%. 

The government has announced new rules on self-isolation from next week:

• People self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after five full days if they test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature, from Monday, 17 January. 
• Individuals who are still positive on their lateral flow tests must stay in isolation until they have had two consecutive negative tests taken on separate days 
• This will support essential public services and keep supply chains running over the winter 

From Monday, 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6. 

The decision has been made after careful consideration of modelling from the UK Health Security Agency and to support essential public services and workforces over the winter.   

It is crucial that people isolating with COVID-19 wait until they have received two negative lateral flow tests on two consecutive days to reduce the chance of still being infectious.  

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. If an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation.  

It is essential that two negative lateral flow tests are taken on consecutive days and reported before individuals return to their job or education, if leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10 day period.  

For instance, if an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on both day 6 and day 7 to release from self-isolation, or positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10. 

Those who leave self-isolation on or after day 6 are strongly advised to wear face coverings and limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, work from home if they can do so and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID- 19.  

The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have taken two LFDs and do not have a temperature in line with guidance.  

Existing public health measures remain in place, including: 

• staying at home if you feel unwell 
• getting a test if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms  
• wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces 
• working from home if possible 
• maintaining social distancing and regular hand washing 
• taking up the offer of the free COVID-19 vaccine 

 Self-isolation may continue in certain circumstances, such as for those who work with vulnerable people. A full list will be published in guidance in due course. Vaccinations remain our best defence against COVID-19, offering substantial protection against infection and hospitalisation – and the government continues to urge the public to get boosted as soon as you’re eligible. In line with today’s announcement, the government will also consider the guidance for close contacts of people with Covid-19, including around the advice for fully vaccinated contacts to take daily LFDs for seven days. 

Key points 

• Under the current testing rules, around 6% of people will be infectious when they are released from isolation on day 7 following two consecutive negative LFDs. 
• Once the guidance is changed to end isolation on day 6 with two consecutive negative lateral flow results, modelling from the UK Health Security Agency shows this figure will rise to around 7%.  
• If you leave isolation on day 6, after 5 full days of isolation, between 20 and 30% of people are still infectious. The percentage of those released whilst infectious is reduced to around 7% if people have two consecutive negative tests and then leave isolation from day 6.  
• The self-isolation period was previously reduced from ending on day 10 to day 7, with a negative LFD result taken 24 hours apart on day 6 and 7 on 22 December 2021.  
• Individuals may only leave isolation once they have had two negative LFDs on two consecutive days; if they test positive on day 5, 6 or 7, they must continue testing until they have two negative tests.  
• If you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate, it is the law. The law states that you must self-isolate for ten days, however this change enables people who are not infectious, proven via two negative tests over two days, which can start from day 5, to leave isolation on day 6.  
• If individuals test positive during their isolation period it does not restart the clock for the ten day isolation period. Day 0 of the Isolation period is when you first show symptoms or, if asymptomatic, the day you took your test.  
• The rules for contacts have not changed. Fully vaccinated individuals who are identified as contacts of someone with Covid-19 case should take daily LFDs for 7 days but are not legally required to self-isolate. Unvaccinated contacts are legally required to self-isolate for the full 10 day period 

Eligible businesses in Allerdale most impacted by the Omicron variant can now apply for government grant support from today.   

The scheme will provide support to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in recognition of the impact the rise of the Omicron variant has had on those businesses and is administered by Allerdale Borough Council with funding provided by the government.  

The support will be a one-off grant, available for businesses that were on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) business ratings list on 30 December only.   

Grant amounts are based on the rateable value of the business:  

• A rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £2,667  
• A rateable value of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive £4,000   
• A rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over will receive £6,000 

More detailed information and the online application form can be found on the council’s website .