CASES of COVID-19 have fallen again in Cumbria this week with 1,371 new cases recorded - a decrease of 282 or 17% compared to the previous week.

Rates in all Cumbrian districts were also below the national and regional average rates (England 440 and North West 371 new cases per 100k population respectively).

New cases decreased from the previous week in all districts except South Lakeland, where new cases increased by 8%.

For the third week in a row the 5-11 age group had the greatest number of new cases in Cumbria (+269 new cases).

The 5-11 age group also had the greatest rate of new cases in Cumbria (724 new cases per 100k population).

New cases decreased from the previous week in all age groups except the 19-24 (+5%) and 70-79 (+65%) age groups.

The number of new patients admitted to hospital with a COVID-19 in the county increased by 11 compared to the previous week.

Sadly, in the week to Friday 19 November, there were also 8 COVID-19 related deaths in Cumbria.

Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said: “Thankfully cases are continuing to fall this week which is encouraging.

“However, with confirmation the Omicron variant has been detected in the UK, we must remain cautious until we learn more about it.

“The government has introduced new precautionary measures until that happens and I urge everyone to follow the guidance as closely as they can.

“This means wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport, self-isolating for 10 days if you’ve been in contact with someone infected with the Omicron variant and taking a PCR test if you’ve been abroad before day 2 following your return the UK.