TOTAL OF 38 PATIENTS NOW BEING TREATED FOR COVID-19 IN GRIMSBY HOSPITAL

Princess of Wales Hospital - sharp rise in admissions

A TOTAL of 38 patients are being treated for Covid-19 in Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

This was the figure on Monday of this week and may even have increased since then.

The figure is the highest at any point during the pandemic and is said to represent a "substantial increase" since the beginning of the month.

A total of 1,553 residents of North East Lincolnshire have now had a confirmed diagnosis of  the disease.

This is an increase of 516 cases over the last week (the biggest week on week increase in confirmed cases that has been reported).  

The  rate of new cases now stands at 306 per 100,000 which represents a doubling in new cases every seven days on average during the last four weeks.  

Within North East Lincolnshire, analysis of cases confirmed since  October 1 suggests an even spread across the working age population, with a steadily increasing number of cases now occurring in the young adult population.  

Since the beginning of the month, there has also been a rapidly increasing number of cases in older people which is a worrying trend. 

Geographically cases are occurring in all parts of the borough.

However, most occurring in central Grimsby areas such as the Park, Heneage, Yarborough and Freshney wards.  

For the first time, a significant numbers of cases is emerging in  the most deprived parts of the borough.

The number of cases in  care homes has grown significantly in the last week with nine care homes currently treating a total of 19 residents.

This is the highest number of cases within  care homes since the spring.  

However, there have not  been any deaths associated with Covid in care homes during the last three months.

The latest update (published today) states: "We are now experiencing regular, small outbreaks in a range of settings including social clubs, spas and gyms.  

"However the largest number of outbreaks are occurring in workplaces and schools."

There have been eight deaths associated with Covid-19 in North East Lincolnshire since the end of May, the six most recent occurred in October.  

A total of 52 deaths have now been registered in North East Lincolnshire with Covid identified as a cause of death, with 39 being North East Lincolnshire residents and 13 being residents of other local authorities.  

It is believed that a further three deaths of North East Lincolnshire residents have been registered elsewhere.

In North East Lincolnshire there have been no deaths registered in children. 

Five deaths were of people aged under 60 years, and 60 per cent of deaths occurred in people aged over 80 years.