Coronavirus latest: 'Slow fall' in cases but Luton is still among top 20 worst affected areas in UK

The town is now ranked number one for case rates in the East of England, the borough council's health and well-being board was told yesterday (Tuesday).

"We reached a peak of nearly 1,000 cases per 100,000 towards the end of December," explained director of public health, Lucy Hubber.

"The case rates are on a steady downward trajectory, but not falling at the same rate as other areas.

"That's making us come to national attention because other people's case rates are dropping very significantly.

"We're now in the top 20 nationally and ranked number one in the East of England, not a position anyone wanted to be in.

"Our picture in Luton is complex. Contributory factors could include high levels of deprivation and because the local population is less able to work from home.

"We're going to be exploring what more we can do to help people in the workplace," said the director of public health.

"In Luton, we're at 674 cases per 100,000, with a rate of change of 11 per cent, when nationally it's gone down by 20 per cent at 420 per 100,000.

"There are some places in the East of England which are dropping regularly at 30 per cent day-on-day."

With a high positivity rate, Ms Hubber warned: "We've got a lot of virus circulating in the community.

"If we were to drop restrictions, our case rates would go right back up again.

"So we need to bring case rates down and reduce the amount of virus in the community."

Rapid testing innovations could include "a mobile solution", where a testing station could be taken to a high street, a place of worship or a supermarket, according to the director of public health.

"I would encourage everyone to keep following the four rules of hands, face, space and isolate, and to get tested."

Dr Nina Pearson from the Beds, Luton and MK (BLMK) Clinical Commissioning Groups described the vaccination programme as going "incredibly well".

"There have been some logistical issues with the weather when the snow impaired some people's access," she said.

"But flexibility has been evident from the sites. The take-up has varied across the primary care networks.

"Some have struggled particularly with those from ethnic minority groups accepting the vaccine.

"We've tried to engage with the faith communities and with other influencers, as a GP community, and provide myth busting to help people gain confidence in the vaccine.

"Some of the cultural groups are those most at risk. We've had fantastic collaboration and leadership from our communities.

"They've really stepped forward and done what they can to influence, so it's work in progress."