Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Enhanced Response Area (ERA) status has been extended from today (6/12), after an application by the combined authority’s director of public health Jyoti Atri.

Provisional data suggests that in the week to 3 December, 3,790 cases were recorded in Cambridgeshire (excluding Peterborough), the highest number of infections recorded in a single week since the beginning of the pandemic.

Rising case numbers and the extension of the ERA status follow the first confirmed case of the new Omicron variant in the county, which was recorded in South Cambridgeshire on Thursday (2/12).

In the week to 3 December, South Cambridgeshire also reported its highest ever number of Covid-19 cases, with Cambridge reporting its fourth highest.

Public Health Director Jyoti Atri commented: “We are pleased this extension will allow us to continue measures that have only just got going and need longer. This will support schools where there are significant issues with Covid until the Christmas break, and continue to drive up vaccine uptake.”

The ERA status was first implemented in the area at the beginning of November for “at least five weeks”, in response to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.

Since the implementation of the ERA status, Cambridgeshire County Council confirmed that a measurable increase in vaccination rates among 12-15 year olds has been recorded, although the 0-17 age group still accounts for 42% of the area’s recorded cases.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of UK Health Security Agency, commented: “Our local partners in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have been working tirelessly to increase testing and vaccination uptake amongst 12 to 15 year olds…Vaccination is more critical than ever so please come forward for your latest jab without delay - whether that’s your first, second, third or booster jab.”