Covid-19 spike in Luton is 'alarming' with significant numbers of deaths, says council

Evidence shows that infection rates are already at over 250 per 100,000 and look set to reach 300 per 100,000.

The situation has been described as "extremely serious" and it would take Luton far higher than anywhere else in the East of England, with additional pressure on local health services.

Cases in the over 60s age group now are now over 200 per 100,000, causing particular concern to public health officials. Throughout the pandemic, data has shown older people to be at greater risk of complications if they contract the disease.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: "We have seen deaths significantly increase over the last seven days, which will start showing in our published data in the coming weeks.

"This goes to emphasise the terrible reality we are facing and is a tragic reminder, not just to family and friends of those who have died, but to all of us, that we are dealing with a killer.

"The virus is highly contagious and easily passes between people, even when there aren’t evident symptoms. It is only by minimising contact with others – most especially older family and friends - that we can protect those we love.

"At the same time, it is really important to keep to the simple message of hands, face, space and self-isolate. Frequent attention to these basic rules are vital if we are to slow the spread of coronavirus in the town."

Anyone with symptoms or who is living with someone who does, must stay at home. Under these circumstances, residents cannot leave the house except to get a test.

The council is asking for government support to enable more testing.

In a joint statement, Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for public health and Lucy Hubber, interim director of public health, said: “We are already at a highly critical moment here in Luton and in danger of things getting even more serious.

"We all have a part to play in combatting the disease. We have shown we were able stop the spread of coronavirus in the past and we can do so again.

“The heart-wrenching deaths of the last week are not statistics. They are family and friends, leaving behind them the deepest of sorrows. At this time of crisis we must all pull together again, stay at home, keep all social interactions outside our household to an absolute minimum and protect our community and the ones we love.”