A request from Cumbria’s director of public health for visitors to take a Covid lateral flow test before entering the county has been greeted with support.

Colin Cox’s advice comes as Covid-19 cases in the area rise, with an increased infection rate of 20 per cent from last week.

The Eden area of the county has seen a particularly large increase in coronavirus cases, leaping from 133.9 per 100,000 of population in the week to August 12, to 411.1 cases per 100,000 people in the week to August 19.

Mr Cox said the spike in Eden had been linked to an outbreak at a school prom in Kirkby Stephen earlier this month, with at least ten confirmed cases, and not to Appleby Horse Fair- held from August 12 to 15.

He added that tourism also cannot explain the spike because the South Lakes area, very popular with visitors, has got the lowest rate in Cumbria.

"A lot of people have made the assumption this has something to do with the Appleby Horse Fair,” he said.

"We're not seeing that - when I look at the data, actually, case rates in and around Appleby are lower and, on the contact tracing, following up people who have tested positive, we are not seeing a lot of people who have been to Appleby.”

The health chief said his request for visitors to test prior to entering the county was ‘precautionary’.

“There’s nothing currently going on that’s making me worried about tourism coming into Cumbria,” he said.

“But obviously the virus spreads with people and as people move around it can spread around.

“And so it’s a courtesy if you’re travelling to get tested before you travel and try not to spread it.

“And I would say the same to people from Cumbria going somewhere else, get tested before you go.

“It’s about minimising the transmission and having the courtesy and respect for the area you’re going to visit.”

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, welcomed Mr Cox’s recommendation.

“I think it’s wise,” he said.

“Public Health England throughout this and the Cumbria team led by Colin Cox has been absolutely fantastic and I think asking people to get tested is incredibly wise.

“Lots of people are coming to the South Lakes, it’s one of the most popular locations in the UK and in the South Lakes we have a high percentage of elderly residents who although have been vaccinated are at a higher risk.

“So I would encourage people to get tested too.”

The move has also been supported by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

“This is really sensible advice from Colin Cox, and nothing that’s onerous or expensive,” said managing director, Suzanne Caldwell.

“People can get lateral flow tests easily and for free and lots of people are already doing them regularly for their work.

“It’s absolutely not about being unwelcoming it’s about protecting visitors and staff so that those coming to the county can have a great experience – something that’s very hard to deliver if lots of staff are off with Covid.

“Businesses across the county are keen to welcome visitors and we all really hope they keep coming.”

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “Although the director for public health says the evidence appears to suggest that local outbreaks are driving infection rates in Cumbria, not tourism, we’re continuing to encourage all visitors to continue to follow the official advice and enjoy a safe and memorable experience.”