COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update 23rd December 2020

Government guidance

Restrictions are under regular review by the government. Please find below some useful links to help you and your family stay safe:

Please keep up to date with the COVID-19 restrictions in your area by clicking here.

Prime Minister’s statement on Tier 4: Stay at Home alert level

On 19 December the Prime Minister gave a statement on a new variant of COVID-19, tougher restrictions for parts of England with a new Tier 4: Stay at Home, alert level and changes to guidance around the Christmas period.

To view the full release please click here.

Covid numbers continue to climb

The weekly Cumbria COVID-19 situation report for week ending 18 December has been published at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.

The report shows:

• There were 741 new cases in Cumbria (an increase of 254, +52%, from 487 cases in the previous week)
• Carlisle overtook South Lakeland in having the greatest number of new cases (+201 new cases)
• Eden overtook South Lakeland in having the highest rate of new cases (295 new cases per 100k population)
• Eden, Carlisle and South Lakeland’s rates were all above the regional average rate (North West = 176 new cases per 100k population);
• New cases increased from the previous week in all Cumbrian districts except Barrow-in-Furness, the biggest proportional increase was in Eden (+171%).
• There have been increases new cases in all age groups over the last week.

 Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:

“The situation is now changing very rapidly, but this data up to the end of last week shows cases very clearly rising again in the county and we know that increase is continuing through this week. Only Barrow has seen cases dropping.

“We suspect that some of this increase is being driven by the new, more infectious, variant of the COVID-19 virus. There’s no evidence that it’s more dangerous, but it does infect many more people and that’s a real worry, both for individuals and for our hospitals which are already dealing with high numbers of covid patients.

“The best way of keeping this in check hasn’t changed: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, give people space and avoid crowds – especially over Christmas. If we don’t act there is a significant risk of a large third wave in January bringing further lockdowns and putting health services under a huge amount of pressure”.

New variant Covid virus is in Cumbria

The new, highly infectious, variant of the COVID-19 virus is in Cumbria and could be behind recent sharp increases in new cases in some parts of the county, according to Cumbria’s Director of Public Health Colin Cox who is stressing the need for people to continue to make every effort to reduce infection spreading. As of 20 December the infection rate for Cumbria as a whole had risen to 164 per 100,000 people. Across the county’s six districts rates range from 40 per 100,000 in Copeland to 345 per 100,000 in Eden. The Eden infection rate is the now the highest seen in Cumbria to date. The new variant has been positively identified in a small number of cases in the county and while the extent to which it is responsible for the rapid rise in Eden is not yet certain, the pattern of infection and unusually rapid spread is highly suggestive. At the moment scientists believe the new variant of the virus is more infectious and does spread faster, but as yet there is no evidence it is more dangerous to health. Mr Cox said: “It’s pretty clear that while it is the South East of England that is having the worst of it right now, this new variant is already present in most parts of the country. “Only a small number of cases have been positively identified in Cumbria, but what is happening in Eden, which throughout the pandemic has had low levels of infection and now has the highest we’ve seen, points to something different going on. In particular, the way we have seen some outbreaks develop in recent days has been very different to what we’ve seen before. “There’s no evidence that it’s more dangerous, but it does infect many more people and that’s a real worry, both for individuals and for our hospitals which are already dealing with high numbers of covid patients. “The best way of keeping this in check hasn’t changed: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, give people space and avoid crowds - especially over Christmas. If we don’t act there is a significant risk of a large third wave in January bringing further lockdowns and putting health services under a huge amount of pressure”.

Guidance for the Christmas period

On 19 December, the Prime Minister said in his statement that, given the risk the new variant poses, the Christmas bubble policy will no longer apply in Tier 4.

For Tiers 1, 2 and 3, Christmas bubbles can continue with up to three households able to meet, but for one day only on Christmas Day.

The guidance for the Christmas period has now been updated to reflect this.

Click here to view the guidance for the Christmas period

Click here to for guidance on making a Christmas bubble with friends and family

Changes to travel

Keep up to date with guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic below. 

Police urge motorists to not drink and drive this Christmas

Police are reminding people travelling on Christmas Day that our annual drink and drug driving campaign continues over the festive period – any motorists who flout the law put lives and their own licences at risk.

Overnight stays are not allowed at other people’s homes - including on December 25 - in the latest Covid-19 rules brought in to stop the spread of the virus.

Officers are aware this could mean some people might be tempted to drive after having a drink while visiting within their Christmas bubble on the day. They are urging people to think carefully about their arrangements and to make sure there is a designated driver who does not drink while visiting others within their social bubbles. Police will continue to actively police the roads on December 25 and throughout the festive period, monitoring for any drink or drug driving offences. Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery said: “These latest restrictions have led to many people having to rearrange their Christmas plans at short notice, with the Christmas bubble arrangements now only in place for one day on December 25th. “We understand this will be disappointing for many after a very challenging year. But people must continue to think about their own safety and the safety of others if they are planning to visit others on Christmas Day within their social bubble. “The roads are likely to be busy on Christmas Day as people take advantage of the temporary easing of restrictions and there is always a potential for dangerous road conditions at this time of year. “There is no excuse for drink or drug driving at any time of the year or in any circumstances. Don’t let a drink or two over Christmas dinner lead to tragic consequences.

“You could face enforcement, the loss of your licence and there is always the potential for the loss of life – your own, members of your own family or other road users. “Don’t have that on your conscience for the sake of a drink or two at Christmas.” ACC Slattery said the majority of the public in Cumbria had helped slow the spread of the virus during 2020 and had much to be proud of in their actions. He added: “This continues to be a very challenging time for everyone. "We urge everyone to continue to follow the rules. We are confident that the majority of people will continue to do their best to adapt and to do the right thing.” Head of Response, Area Manager Brian Steadman from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a Christmas like no other and we know there will be more traffic on the roads on Christmas Day. We are ready to respond to accidents but we really urge people to take care and drive safely. Do the basics before you set off, check your tyres, screen wash and lights, drive to the conditions. No one wants to spend Christmas Day being rescued by one of our crews.”

Find out what support you can get if you’re affected by coronavirus

Please visit www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support to find out what help and advice you can get from the government and other organisations. You can use it for yourself or someone else.

You can find support with:

• what to do if you’re feeling unsafe where you live, or if you’re worried about someone else
• paying your bills, rent, or mortgage
• getting food
• being made redundant or unemployed, or not having any work
• what to do if you’re worried about going in to work
• having somewhere to live
• mental health and wellbeing, including information for children

Click here to get started

Domestic Abuse - Support is available to anyone who needs it

If you, or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse we are here to help you. Talk to us or someone you trust and together we can stop domestic abuse.

In other news...

Man dies following Whitehaven collision A man has died following a collision on the Loop Road Whitehaven on Thursday 17th December at around 4:54pm.  To view the full story click here. Arrest made in Kendal fraud investigation A woman has been arrested in connection with a reported scam in the Kendal area which is seeking the public to donate money and gifts. To view the full story click here. Woman dies following collision in Windermere Following a serious road traffic collision that occurred on Friday 4th December 2020, Police can confirm the woman has sadly died in hospital. To view the full story click here.

Thinking of joining us?

If you've been inspired by the amazing work our emergency services and key workers have been doing over the past few months during Covid-19, we have the opportunity for you to make a difference!

We are currently recruiting for the following roles 

Help us spread our message

Share & Retweet 

CumbriaPolice 'People travelling on Christmas Day are reminded that our annual drink and drug driving campaign continues over the festive period' @CumbriaPolice 'People travelling on Christmas Day are reminded that our annual drink and drug driving campaign continues over the festive period'

We’re very grateful to all those who have volunteered with us and our partners to help keep our communities safe during Covid-19. 

Our next Covid-19 Update newsletter will be published W/C 4th Jan 2021, unless any significant changes in restrictions or legislation arise.

Thank you