Cumbria has experienced it worst week so far for new COVID-19 infections, with 3,489 people testing positive in the week ending 8 January - a 39% rise on the previous week.

Infections rates are high across the county, especially in Carlisle where the infection rate was 1,151 per 100,000 population.

Hospitals remain under intense pressure, particularly in the north of the county where there has been a 63% increase in the number of COVID-19 patients since last week. There are now around 270 people being treated in north Cumbrian hospitals.

Sadly, a further 59 people have died from COVID-19 in the seven days to 12 January. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Cumbria since the start of the pandemic to 833. 

The full weekly COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread

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

“We remain in an extremely serious situation. In the very latest provisional data, there are some early signs that the rate of increase in new infections may be slowing, but the infection rate is still very high. 

“Even if that trends continues, we can expect the very high numbers of people requiring hospital care, and increasing deaths, to continue for some weeks. This is putting our local NHS system under intense pressure.

“I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is that we all follow the lockdown rules. The virus spreads when people come into contact, we must do everything we can to stop unnecessary contact with other people. Where being in contact with others is unavoidable, keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands - it does make a difference.”

Every Primary Care Network (PCN) across north Cumbria is now delivering the covid vaccine to their over 80s and care home residents and staff.

There are eight PCNs – they are groups of GP Practices working together in local areas – and the vaccine is now being delivered from nine locations. Please don’t call your GP Practice to ask about the covid vaccine.

The teams are also visiting local care homes and the homes of housebound patients and those with mobility issues, to ensure our most vulnerable residents get the vaccine.

Our primary care teams, including GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, healthcare workers, admin staff and a significant number of volunteers from a range of organisations, have all worked incredibly hard to get these new hubs up and running. For our primary care teams, this is happening alongside keeping every day general practice up and running for people needing medical support.

To view the full release click here.

Message from PCC and Cumbria’s MPs

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria has joined Cumbria Members of Parliament in expressing their gratitude to those people who are making sacrifices to protect the NHS and save lives.

The thanks comes as hospitals in Cumbria report extremely high numbers of patients with infection, resulting in health services coming under extreme strain – but also as infection rates in the county are showing signs of slowing as people’s sacrifice during this national lockdown begins to yield results.

Ahead of the weekend, we are asking you to adhere to the government guidance to continue to stay home as much as possible and only leave for an essential reason such as shopping for necessities or exercising as close to home as possible and avoid travelling where you can.

We all understand that outdoor exercise is vital for mental and physical wellbeing and that the risks when exercising safely outdoors are extremely low. However, any journey we make increases the chance of interacting with others, even if that is not planned. The virus does not spread by itself and it is crucial that we all reduce non-essential movement around the country and stay local to enable us to effectively fight the virus and suppress infection rates in our communities.

To view the full release click here

Action Fraud is warning the public to remain vigilant as criminals begin to take advantage of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine to commit fraud. 

As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, had received 57 reports in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. 

How to protect yourself:

In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.

- The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.

- The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.

- The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.

- The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.  

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Please speak with relatives, particularly elderly and vulnerable relatives, to make sure they are aware and know how to protect themselves.

More: Coronavirus vaccine scams warning | Action Fraud 

Police appealing for witnesses following fatal collision on A66

Police can confirm a man has died following a fatal collision on the A66 near Baron’s Hill.

Anyone with information or witnessed the collision is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 15 of 14th January 2021.

To view the full release click here.

New scheme will help domestic abuse victims in Cumbria

Domestic abuse victims in Cumbria can now discretely seek help from pharmacy staff taking part in a new scheme - by “asking for Ani”.

To view the full release click here.

CCTV appeal - Go Outdoors

Police are investigating an incident of theft that occurred at Go Outdoors, Ullswater Road, Penrith, at around 2:15pm on 22^nd December 2020.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 128 of 22 December 2020. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

To view the full release click here.