The number of recorded cases of coronavirus in Wiltshire increased by 390 over the past week while rates continue a week on week decline across the county. 

In the last seven days (as of Monday, March 1) 390 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Wiltshire. This is a drop in recorded cases of nearly 23 per cent where last week the same figure was 506.

The seven day infection rate in Wiltshire now stands at 78 per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 102.9. 

Graph of the seven-day infection rates in Wiltshire up to February 24 VIA coronavirus.data.gov.uk

Graph of the seven-day infection rates in Wiltshire up to February 24 VIA coronavirus.data.gov.uk

Since the start of the pandemic 16,336 people have tested positive for coronavirus. 

In Wiltshire, there have been 757 registered deaths (those which include Covid-19 on the death certificate) up to February 12. This is an increase of 50 deaths from the previous week’s figures. 

Kate Blackburn, Wiltshire’s director for public health said: “Our thoughts go out to anyone and everyone who has lost someone as a result of Covid. 

“We mustn’t become immune to these numbers. They aren’t just numbers, each and every one of them is a person.” 

Director of public health in Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn

Director of public health in Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn

During Wiltshire Council’s press briefing, Mrs Blackburn said the number of new cases reported in care homes – as well as the number of new care homes reporting cases – have again fallen. 

In the week ending February 21, 15 care homes reported new cases of the virus. This is in stark contrast with 59 care homes reporting new cases at the peak in mid-January.

Additionally there’s been a reduction in cases among care home staff, and lower rates of infection in care home residents with rates comparable to pre-Christmas levels. 

“However, we do sadly continue to see Covid mortalities but these rates are slowing,” Mrs Blackburn said. 

“There have been 13 newly registered Covid-19 deaths in care homes in the last week’s worth of data, and that represents a reduction from the 21 deaths in the previous week.” 

In Wiltshire there are currently 15 areas with less than three recorded cases of the virus. 

Map of Wiltshire showing Covid-19 infection rates per area VIA https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

Map of Wiltshire showing Covid-19 infection rates per area VIA https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

The 15 areas listed below recorded less than three cases of Covid-19 in the seven days leading up to February 24. Data for these areas is suppressed to protect individual identities:

  • Bedwyn, Burbage & Collingbourne
  • Dilton Marsh & Bratton
  • Great Wishford, Woodford Valley & Porton
  • Malmesbury, Crudwell & Oaksey
  • Marlborough
  • Mere & East Knoyle 
  • Netheravon & Upavon
  • Pewsey & Lockeridge
  • Salisbury Bishopsdown
  • Salisbury East Harnham
  • Sherston & Hullavington
  • Whaddon, Whiteparish & Winterslow
  • Wilton, Nadder & Ebble
  • Winsley, Westwood & Holt 
  • Wylye Valley

Wiltshire Council is due to hold a live Covid-19 breifing for residents tonight at 5.30pm. 

To access the meeting please click here.