And whilst the cases are predominantly in the 50 and under age group, there has to be concern regarding the capacity of hospitals in Cornwall to cope. Even without this surge they would be stretched by the number of tourists, which in a ‘normal year amount to 25 million nights stayed, before a large increase this year. That is 4 to 5 million visitors, mostly during a maximum of 20 months and mainly July and August. So basically a doubling in population, presumably without doubling hospital facilities. A potential problem. Especially with the reliance on The Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro. The main centres of infection are in the west of Cornwall, St.Ives, Newquay, Falmouth and all areas between them, i.e. a long way by road from other major hospitals in Plymouth and Exeter.
And an aside – a study of health insurance claims in the USA has shown a 15.8 increase in infections in the 2 weeks following a childs birthday! Time to avoid indoor parties.