Health bosses insist tourism not to blame for surge in coronavirus cases

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Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Northumberland, but health chiefs say tourists are not to blame.

The rate of positive infections in the county rose to a weekly average of more than 212 per 100,000, according to the latest figures, the highest since January.

But rather than blame an influx of visitors drawn by the good weather, experts say young people already in the area could be the culprits.

I’m not sure there has been a significant link between tourism and an increase in cases in the country, said Liz Morgan, director of public health for Northumberland County Councils.

We are getting some strange cases that come to us from other local authorities, where they live, but I don’t think tourism is the driving force.

We are witnessing an increasing number of epidemics in schools or associated with schools, [but] we actually think it’s more about what kids do outside of school.

While infection rates in Northumberland have reached levels not seen since the New Year, numbers for hospital admissions and deaths have yet to follow.

Morgan added that she had yet to see any convincing evidence to suggest that tourism had contributed significantly to the increase in cases, indicating low infection rates in the Southwest last summer.

However, Covid infection levels in Cornwall have exceeded the UK average for the first time since the pandemic began last week, which some have blamed on the international G7 summit.

Official guidelines have highlighted the reduced risks associated with outdoor activities, which are one of the main attractions for visitors to Northumberland.

And, according to Morgan, those who travel to the county on extended trips will often remain in their own groups, further limiting transmission.

Richard Hay, head of planning and operations at the Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: Two things we absolutely have in abundance in Northumberland are space and fresh air.

So from a hands, face and space perspective, were really in a good position to make the most of this advice while safely enjoying our country.

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