Case rates in Wiltshire continue to increase for the third week in a row as more Delta variant cases are found.

As of 4pm Monday, June 21, in the last seven days, 222 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Wiltshire – a rise from the previous week where 141 new cases were recorded.

This means that the infection rate per 100,000 in the county stands at 44.4 which is still below the England average of 89.9.

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Cases have continued to rise in Wiltshire for the last three week – broadly in line with the national trend.

In total, 847 people have died as a result of the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Director of public health in Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn said: “Our case numbers are continuing to steadily rise locally.

“We’ve seen an increase in cases in educational settings since the return from the half term holidays.

“And with case numbers increasing its a good time for people to be reminded that the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones is to continue to be cautious and sensible at all times.”

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In the last week 126 new cases of the Delta variant have been recorded where 41 cases were found the week prior.

Mrs Blackburn said it is clear the Delta variant is becoming the dominant strain in the county.

The public health boss urged people to continue on with the same protective measures to stay safe.

Schools

In Wiltshire, 23 unique settings have pupils self-isolating due to 62 associated cases.

Hospitals

Despite an overall rise in case numbers, admissions to local hospitals remain low, at the moment.

Mrs Blackburn said that we are in a different position now than before.

Whereas previously a rise in cases would lead to a rise in hospitalisation and mortality, with more people being vaccinated, Mrs Blackburn said: “we might see a different picture but we do not yet know”.

Care Homes

The number of cases in Wiltshire care homes (for residents and staff) is in the single digits, according to the public health director.

This, she said, is thanks to how routinely care home staff and residents are tested.