Friday 13 August 2021
 Case rates over the last few weeks in Devon are the highest they have been since the start of the pandemic, with cases in Exeter among the highest in the country.
The rates in Devon for the latest reported week - 347 per 100,000 people of population* - have increased again, and remain above the national average (299 per 100,000*). The latest weekly rates are highest in the Exeter area, and mostly within the younger working age group and late teens.
*data correct as of midday Friday 13 August.
In this update:
- Why is Exeter's case rate so high?
- Change in self-isolation rules from Monday 16 August
- Equipment amnesty due to supply chain issues
- What to do if you need medical help on holiday in England
- More vaccination centre volunteers needed
- Double vaccinations required for care home workers
Why is Exeter's case rate so high?
Devon's coronavirus case rate is still a touch above the national average, but the number of cases in Exeter in particular are among the highest in the country.
"Cases are across people of all ages, but predominantly among younger working age people and late teens - so 16 to 44 year olds," explains Steve.
"The data doesn't point to there being any particular outbreak of size in any particular locations.
"Neither is there any evidence to suggest the rise is attributable to holiday makers to Devon."
It's a combination of factors that include:
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the Delta strain, dominant across the country including Devon, is much easier to catch and spread than previous variants
- lifting of most restrictions, which has opened up social mixing
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more people returning to work, including in hospitality and retail where lots of people are in close contact with each other
"These may be some of the reasons why we're seeing an increase in cases," said Steve.
"But we are not seeing the high case rates reflected in coronavirus-related hospitalisations, and that's because of the vaccination programme.
Self-isolation rules change from Monday
The rules change on Monday 16 August, for people who have received both their vaccinations against coronavirus, and people aged under 18.
Right now, it's a legal requirement to self-isolate for anyone contacted by Test and Trace teams, because they've been in close proximity with someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19.
But from Monday, people who are double vaccinated and those under 18 will be exempt from that legal requirement.
They will however still be advised to take a PCR test, and if that's positive, they'll be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status.
Equipment amnesty announced due to supply chain pressures
Supply chain pressures are leading to a shortage of vital equipment such as mobility and toileting aids, hoists and hospital beds that help vulnerable people in Devon to live independently at home.
Continued high levels of coronavirus cases world-wide have been causing disruption to outbound supplies, especially from Asia where many items are manufactured and shipped from.
In addition, recent lockdowns and COVID-19 risks mean manufacturing factories are working on reduced capacity, increasing supplier lead-in times on many equipment lines.
With no sign of the situation improving soon, Millbrook Healthcare Ltd, Devon County Council and NHS Devon CCG, are calling an ‘equipment amnesty’, asking people who no longer need their community equipment, to return it free of charge.
Supply pressures are affecting the availability of four-wheeled walking frames and toileting equipment in particular to Devon. Other equipment used in high volumes includes hospital beds, clinical mattresses, pressure cushions and hoists.
Wheelchairs however, are not part of the amnesty, because these are not provided by the community equipment service which Millbrook delivers.
Collection of the equipment from people’s homes is free, and Millbrook staff will collect the items from properties.
The amnesty will run from Monday 9 to Monday 30 August. People should call 0330 124 8214 to arrange a collection.
Getting medical advice while on holiday in England
Many people will be enjoying a staycation in England over the next few weeks, but what happens if you need medical help while away from home?
If it’s something minor that’s troubling you, you can pop into a local pharmacy where you’re staying. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help with things like aches, pains, bites and stings or tummy troubles.
If you need to access a GP practice on holiday, you can still call your own GP practice for support. Most offer telephone, video or online consultations and they’ll have all your medical records to hand, so always call your own practice first.
But if it’s something more serious where you think you might need A&E, contact NHS 111 first. NHS 111 can book you into A&E or direct you to an alternative service, like a minor injuries unit, if it’s more appropriate.
 Volunteers are making a difference - can you join them?
More than 2,400 volunteers have clocked up over 68,000 hours supporting the COVID-19 vaccine rollout from vaccination centres in Plymouth and Exeter.
Meteorologist Helen Almond (above, right) says she was inspired to volunteer because some of her family have been working for the NHS through the pandemic:
"I felt there wasn't a lot I could do as a regular person, but when the opportunity to volunteer came up it seemed like it was a chance to do something to help in a small way."
With many people going back to work, the NHS is looking for more volunteer marshals and stewards to help out at Greendale near Exeter and Home Park in Plymouth.
And from September, older age groups and frontline health and care workers will be offered booster jabs, so vaccination centres will continue to need volunteers.
Volunteering is flexible to fit around individual availability and is open to anyone aged 16 or over. Volunteers can offer to work a single shift, or several over a single day or even across different days.
Exeter COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at Greendale operates 12 hours a day, seven days per week with volunteers able to sign up to work four hour shifts, with shifts available from 8.00am – midday, midday – 4.00pm and 4.00pm – 8.00pm.
If you'd like to volunteer, you can fill in a simple application form on the 'Our Plymouth' website, which is the regional volunteering organisation that is coordinating the volunteers for all Mass Vaccination Centres in Devon.
Double vaccinations to be required before entering care homes
The regulations also apply to anyone entering a care home, with noted exceptions that include residents, visitors, children, emergency workers, and people considered to be nearing the end of their life.
That means the regulations will apply to any professional that enters care home settings, such as plumbers, electricians, as well as hairdressers, chiropodists, painters and decorators.
With regulations coming into force on Thursday 11 November, it means that care home workers, agency staff, volunteers and anyone who wants to enter care homes, who haven't already been double vaccinated, will need to have had their first dose at the latest by the 16 September.
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