Covid cases have risen again in Devon for the first time in more than two weeks, with Exeter continuing to have one of the highest rates of infection in the country.

In the seven days to Thursday 5 August the city recorded 778 cases, 117 (18 per cent) more than the previous week. The rate of infection per 100,000 people is now 584 – more than double the UK average of 277.

Overall, Devon saw cases rise by 380. This rise in infections of more than eight per cent takes the overall case rate to 421 per 100,000 people.

Deaths

One person died in South Hams within 28 days of testing positive for covid in the latest complete five day period (August 2 - 6). No other covid deaths in Devon were recorded during this time.

Since the pandemic began, 1059 people in Devon have now died within 28 days of a positive test.

Vaccinations

87 per cent of adults have had their first dose of a vaccine in the Devon County Council area, which excludes Torbay and Plymouth, with 75 per cent receiving both doses.

Torbay figures are similar: here 85 per cent of adults have had one jab and 75 per cent have received both doses.

Plymouth is a tad behind the rest of the county: 83 per cent have had their first dose, while 68 per cent have also had their second dose.

This means across Devon uptake of the vaccine is slightly lower than the national average. Eighty-nine per cent of people in the UK have had one dose, with 75 per cent having had both doses.

Hospitalisations

During the seven days making up the latest available data (to Sunday 1 August) hospitalisations fell across Devon. A total of 90 people were admitted to hospital due to Covid, two fewer than the previous week.