COVID cases are on the rise in Worcestershire, with the county rate 10 per cent higher than the country average.

Data released today by Worcestershire County Council has revealed the Covid rate across Worcestershire is 918 per 100,000 people.

This figure is over 10 per cent higher than the England average of 831, while in some districts of Worcestershire, the rate is around 25 per cent higher than the country average.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council, said: “COVID-19 rates have been increasing locally and nationally for the past few weeks.

"It is important to stress that COVID remains in our county, but the best protection that people have against severe illness is by getting the COVID vaccine.

"A spring COVID booster campaign is currently underway for those aged 75 and over, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems who should arrange an appointment when offered. 

"Public Health continue to monitor data carefully to identify and offer appropriate intervention to outbreaks and situations as they occur.
 
"As we learn to live with Covid-19, it is still important for people to get a test if they have COVID-19 symptoms, and to stay at home for at least five days if they have a positive test."

The data released also reveals that in Worcestershire Acute hospitals there were 118 Covid cases as of March 22, with one case requiring a ventilator.

Across the county, 5,489 new cases have been reported in the week up to March 25, a 43 per cent increase on the previous week.

In this time, six deaths have been recorded within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.

This takes the county total for the pandemic to 1,507.

Covid rate by district

Worcestershire – 918

Malvern – 1,051

Wychavon – 1,045

Bromsgrove – 889

Worcester – 870

Redditch – 774

Wyre Forest – 846

*Data correct as of 8:14am Friday March 25

Evesham Journal: The Covid rate of each district in WorcestershireThe Covid rate of each district in Worcestershire

The latest isolation guidance can be found here