THERE has been a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases recorded in the county according to the latest figures - but there have still been no recorded cases of the new Covid variant that is causing concern worldwide.

A total of 2,923 new cases were recorded in the county in the week up to November 24 - a six per cent rise.

New infections in Worcester rose by 13.5 per cent in the same week to 618, according to the Public Health England (PHE) data.

Wychavon, which includes Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich, saw the biggest rise of the county's six districts with a total of 666 cases recorded in a week, a rise of 21.1 per cent when compared to the previous week.

Wyre Forest saw a drop in new cases, dropping by 6.5 per cent to 361.

Bromsgrove saw a fall of 9.1 per cent to 447, while Redditch saw a rise of 4.9 per cent to 446.

Malvern Hills saw a rise of 9.2 per cent to 355 new cases.

There have been no reported cases of the new Omicron variant in the county by PHE.

Meanwhile NHS figures show 58 people with Covid-19 were in hospital in Worcestershire on Monday (November 29) - the latest data available - including five people in intensive care.

Around 79 per cent of those eligible in Worcestershire have now been vaccinated against coronavirus after receiving both jabs. Around 85 per cent of eligible people have received one jab, the NHS data shows.

Meanwhile Downing Street clashed with the head of the UK’s Health Security Agency yesterday after she urged people not to socialise if they do not need to in the run-up to Christmas.

Dr Jenny Harries said people could do their bit to slow the spread of the new Omicron variant adding: “If we all decrease our social contacts a little bit, actually that helps to keep the variant at bay.”

Asked if Dr Harries’ view was shared by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters: “No. Our advice to the public is as set out at the weekend."