Devon’s public health chief has warned that the recent rise in coronavirus cases is likely to continue unless further restrictions are put in place to limit the spread.

The county has seen a 55% increase in the number of cases of coronavirus over the week before Christmas– although remains among the bottom 20% for infection rates.

The most recent figures show that Devon though has the highest case rate since the county’s previous peak mid-November, and Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon (Designate), warns that the rise is likely to continue unless further restrictions are put in place.

He said: “We heard about the new variant (of the virus) this week and there is cause for concern.

“The current evidence suggests that it is highly infectious and is very likely to lead to a significant increase in transmissibility, however, there is no evidence at the moment that it leads to worse clinical outcomes for people.

“The current data suggests that the new strain is dominant in the South East, London and East of England. While we have detected some cases of the new strain in the South West, at present it is not the dominant strain.”

Although case numbers are up across the county, they are currently highest in North Devon and West Devon – although the latter is partially explained by cases at Dartmoor Prison – and despite the rise, the South Hams and Teignbridge are still in the bottom ten areas in England for infection rates, as is Torbay.

The age groups experiencing the highest numbers of cases are those aged 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and 80 and over – although the latter range is seeing a slight decline in the most recent days of data.

Torbay meanwhile currently has seen no over 80s test positive between December 15-17, but is seeing a sharp rise in cases in the 20-39 age range.

Mr Brown said: “It is vital that whatever you are doing over the Christmas period, that you follow the rules for Tier 2.

“None of us can afford to lower our guard at all, so please act as though you may well have the virus.

“Remember to social distance, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings when you are indoors in public spaces.”

The Leader of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart, added: “I would like to thank all Devon residents, and particularly pay tribute to the thousands of keyworkers on the frontline – our wonderful NHS staff, care workers and our teachers – for their incredible resilience this year, and their commitment to each other to get through this pandemic.

“I know from talking to local people just how difficult this year has been for so many individuals and families, struggling to keep themselves safe while overcoming financial and psychological challenges.

“People are already doing so much, and it is asking a lot when things look so bleak, but I urge everyone to keep up that resolve and determination over the Christmas period and into the New Year.

“The roll-out of vaccines should provide us all with hope but realistically it won’t be until the spring that this begins to have a significant impact.

“I also pay tribute to our local businesses for their remarkable efforts to adapt, keep their customers safe and stay afloat.

“I remain deeply concerned about the toll that all this is taking on many businesses and the impact that continued restrictions are having on our Devon economy, especially for those in the tourism and hospitality sectors.”