Ashby is North West Leicestershire's latest Covid hot-spot
The North West of the county remains in England's top 10 for infection rates
Last updated 17th Mar 2021
Covid-19 cases in Ashby are now causing concern among public health officials as rates in North West Leicestershire's remain high.
Previously, the district had had the unenviable tag of having the highest infection rate in the country (197.9 cases per 100,000) according to figures for the seven days up to the end of February.
The latest numbers show the district sixth highest in England with 141.9 cases per 100,000, well above the average rate in the county, which is 102.4 cases per 100,000.
Mike Sandys, Leicestershire's director of public health, said: “Ashby is definitely starting to creep up the rankings and some of that is simply down to where it is on the map. It borders areas which have high rates, including Coalville and South Derbyshire."
County council leader Nick Rushton said: “It’s disappointing to see the rates rising in Ashby, so I’m asking people to be careful when they go out for essential reasons, particularly at the big supermarkets, in small shops, at the school gates and while commuting to work.
“People are relaxing their guard and it’s easy to think it’s all over – but it clearly isn’t and we can't afford to undo all the good work through complacency so I’d urge all North West Leicestershire's residents to continue being vigilant, and remember it’s hands, face, space."
Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, also warned against complacency.
He said: “The vaccine rollout and the Government’s roadmap to normality make it very tempting to drop our guard, but with our figures still high this is not a time for complacency.
"Please continue to be vigilant and avoid all non-essential journeys. Together we can bring our infection rates down.”