CUMBRIA’S public health chief has said that the county is ‘much better prepared’ for any second wave of Covid-19 infections that may occur over the coming months.

His comments come as details of the second-wave preparation work under way across various sectors within the south of the county begin to emerge.

Health bosses at the area’s hospital trust and public health teams, as well as major employers and community leaders in south Cumbria, have spoken this week of the behind-the-scenes work that is taking place to legislate for anticipated spikes or flare-ups that could lead to new ‘local lockdown’ measures - similar to the ones imposed recently across parts of Greater Manchester.

Their combined efforts will ensure the area is well-equipped to deal with any rise in hospitalisations, according to Cumbria’s director of public health, Colin Cox, as the region enters a ‘critical stage’ in its battle with the ongoing pandemic.

Speaking earlier this week, Mr Cox said: “It’s worth noting that, having had the first wave, we’re much better prepared for any second wave if and when that does occur.”

Mr Cox also spoke of the extra resource capacity on hand in the county, as Nightingale Hospitals and makeshift recovery centres - like the one that was at Furness College - have since been repurposed.

He said: “Those recovery centres aren’t in place at the moment, but that equipment is still there and I understand that it can be redeployed in a swift way at very short notice.

“A map has also been sent out showing what kind of capacity would be needed in the area. They are modelling for what requirements for things like bed capacity and critical care capacity would be needed. So that work is currently under way, also.”

However, he did also acknowledge the problems arising from a backlog in routine care, causing by the initial outbreaks earlier this year.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has highlighted the danger this dilemma could pose for the area, as the NHS attempts to work through the backlog caused by its springtime ‘war footing’ demands.

He and other MPs have warned that tens of thousands of lives could be lost to cancer if healthcare resources are managed poorly.

Barrow MP Simon Fell said the consequences of a local lockdown for Barrow would be ‘very difficult’, and he appealed to residents to continue playing their part in the wider effort to avoid such a scenario.

“It’s absolutely a communal push,” he said.

“People in the area have been making a remarkable effort, with a huge amount of sacrifices having been made by many people - the recent incidence levels are testament to that.

“The important thing now, as we open up the economy again and return to school, is that we don’t want a false sense of security creeping in.

“We really don’t a second lockdown. I think that would be very difficult for the area, as it would mean a change in school rotas, essential shops mights have to close. It should and can be avoided.”