Virus infection rates are levelling out in Richmond after a small rise in cases in the number of Covid-19 cases reported locally.

According to the Government's rolling seven-day rate of new coronavirus cases, there were 27 new cases in the past week in Richmond upon Thames.

The Covid-19 rate, expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000, is currently at 13.6.

Whilst this has risen in recent weeks, the figure does show that the number of new cases is levelling off after 30 new cases the week prior.

It's reported that a Covid-19 rate of 40 is the level required for a local lockdown to be considered.

In Bolton, 369 cases were recorded in the seven days up to September 5, a Covid-19 rate of 128.3, the highest in England.

Last month, Richmond upon Thames Council urged residents to ensure they continue to follow safety precautions against Covid-19 during their holidays following a rise in the number of cases.

A council statement referencing the successful use of NHS Test and Trace suggested that some of the cases may have been linked to foreign travel.

In the statement, council leader Gareth Roberts said he knew people were concerned about the rise in cases after a small rise had caused alarm, but reassured residents that the situation was being monitored carefully.

There were 44 new cases recorded in the borough in the first two weeks of August.

Whilst not cause for complacency, Richmond's rate of new infections is actually between relatively low to average in the capital.

Whilst London boroughs dominated the list in the early days of the pandemic, most are reporting Covid-19 rates below 20.

Kensington and Chlesea recorded the highest rate over the past week, with 45 new cases meaning an infection rate of 28.8.

Cllr Roberts said last month: "We should not forget how awful the situation was for many of our residents earlier this year.

"More than 152 local people lost their lives and hundreds of others became seriously ill, with many still feeling the impact today. Coronavirus is still lethal. Lives are still at risk.

“Don’t be selfish. Don’t take unnecessary risks. If you do go on holiday – remember Covid19 is still at large, in some cases more so, in other countries.”