Record-breaking rates of Covid infection have been recorded in Hertsmere in December in clear signs the Omicron variant is sweeping across neighbourhoods.
The number of new cases are as high as they have been since lockdown was eased in the summer and have now overtaken rates that we witnessed last winter when Hertsmere faced tiered restrictions.
Public health data published on the Government's coronavirus dashboard shows infections are high in all of Hertsmere's 13 wards, including across Borehamwood, Bushey, Elstree, Radlett, Shenley, and Potters Bar.
Thousands of confirmed and suspected cases of Omicron have been identified in Hertfordshire, with at least 2,294 Hertsmere residents testing positive for Covid-19 (of any variant) between December 11 and 23. The dashboard isn't being updated on Christmas Day or Boxing Day which means there will be a backlog of further cases to be added.
The latest infection rate available for Hertsmere is for the seven days to December 20 where it sat at 1429.8 cases per 100,000 population.
This is the 45th highest rate out of more than 300 local authorities in the UK and the sixth highest in Hertfordshire, and nearly four times higher than it has been over the autumn and early winter.
The data shows the highest Covid rates in the country are currently in London, Hertfordshire, Essex, and Surrey.
In Hertsmere, the highest infection rates are in those aged in their 20s (around 3,000 cases per 100,000 population) followed by those in their 30s, 40s, and teenagers, and children aged five to 10.
The lowest rates are in those aged above 70 - at below 500 - although there are signs of infections rising in those in their 70s.
Below is a table that shows the latest data exactly how many cases have been recorded in each of Hertsmere's 13 neighbourhoods over a fortnightly period. The worst hit areas, by size of population, are currently Shenley and South Mimms, which is coupled together, and Radlett.
Hertsmere Borough Council says designated Covid marshals are out in the community, visiting businesses to give advice and distributing signage and lateral flow test kits, whilst Covid engagement officers are also working closely with health partners, local pharmacies and volunteers to support the vaccination and booster effort.
A walk-in Covid testing centre is available at The Venue car park in Borehamwood. Tests can be booked online but are subject to availability.
People are being encouraged to get vaccinated against Covid, whether that be the booster of first or second dose.
Around a quarter of Borehamwood's over 12 population remains completely unvaccinated against Covid, with between 45 and 50 per cent receiving a booster.
Across the rest of Hertsmere, roughly 15 to 20 per cent of over 12s in each of the neighbourhoods are unvaccinated.
The council says Covid engagement officers are targeting areas of low vaccination uptake to provide support and optimise vaccination opportunities locally and ensure the community is aware of how to get theirs.
Council leader Morris Bright said: "The majority of Hertsmere residents have been double vaccinated and many have now had flu jabs and a Covid booster too.
"I would urge those who have not yet responded to the offer of a booster to do so in order that they can protect themselves and others."
Vaccinations are being carried out at Allum Hall, at Med Mart in Imperial Place and at pharmacies including Wellswood in Fairway Avenue. Book online or visit https://covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/events/vaccination-walk-in-clinic-times for up-to-date information on walk-in clinics in Hertfordshire.
This week, UK Health Security Agency chief executive, Dr Jenny Harries, said findings the Omicron variant is milder offer a "glimmer of Christmas hope".
But she warned that it is too early to downgrade the threat from the new strain, which is still spreading rapidly across the UK.Dr Harries told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that more information is needed, particularly about the impact on elderly and more vulnerable patients.
The UKHSA estimates someone with Omicron is between 31 and 45 per cent less likely to attend A&E and 50 to 70 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital than an individual with the Delta variant.
The latest healthcare data shows 36 Covid patients were being cared for by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust on December 21, including six on ventilation.
The number of Covid patients at Watford General has been stable throughout December. During the height of the pandemic in spring 2020, the trust was caring for nearly 350 patients at any one time.
The Royal Free NHS Trust, which runs three hospitals including Barnet, was caring for 92 patients.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has recorded 11 Covid related deaths in December, with 983 since the pandemic began, NHS England figures show.
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