Rutland County Council is thanking Ketton residents for their help to reduce COVID-19 cases locally, following a sharp rise in infections last month (January).

Concerns were raised when Ketton Ward became the area of Rutland with the highest number of new COVID-19 infections, after more than 30 cases were recorded in the two weeks leading up to Monday 18th January.

Latest figure show there were just two new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Ketton Ward in the week to 12th February.

Mike Sandys, Director for Public Health at Rutland County Council, said: "We would like to thank everyone in the Ketton area who responded positively to our call for help back in January.

"At that time, we were seeing an uncharacteristically large number of new cases in Ketton Ward, which couldn't be attributed to any one source or setting.

"We therefore needed a whole-community response to try and bring case numbers down. I'm pleased to say that's exactly what we've seen and, a month later, the number of new cases being reported in and around Ketton is much more in keeping with what we'd expect.

Mr Sandys continued: "This doesn't mean that current COVID guidance or restrictions are any less important in Ketton. If anything, we need people to keep doing what they've done to get the numbers down, to make sure we don't see another unwelcome rise in cases. It also goes to show that following the current guidance and restrictions, wherever you live, is the best way to bring the virus back under control."

The current national lockdown means that people living in Rutland must not leave home unless for a small number of essential reasons. This includes:

Shopping for basic necessities, either for yourself or a vulnerable person

Going to work, if you cannot reasonably work from home

Exercising once a day with your household, support bubble or one other person

Seeking medical assistance or to avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

To attend education or childcare

To receive a COVID-19 test or vaccination

Anyone leaving home for one of these reasons should follow social distancing rules, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and wash their hands when leaving and returning home.

Help and support is available for anyone who is struggling because of COVID-19 and the latest lockdown. Details of this support can be found online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Anyone who is clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 and needs urgent assistance can contact the Council's Crisis Helpline by calling: 01572 729 603.