THE coronavirus infection rate in Bromsgrove has increased as health bosses update residents on the situation.

The latest data reveals Bromsgrove's infection rate was 288.3 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to November 13, with 288 cases recorded - higher than the rate of 214.3 a week earlier.

Redditch has the highest infection rate in Worcestershire with 350.7 cases per 100,000 people and a total of 299 cases were recorded in the same week.

Worcestershire's infection rate in the week up to November 12 was 243.9 cases per 100,000 people with 1,453 cases recorded in the seven days.

Elsewhere in the county, the infection rate in Worcester fell slightly after hitting a peak of 280.6 cases per 100,000 people on November 12.

The rate dropped to 248 cases per 100,000 people on November 13 which was the same as the infection rate in the week up to November 6.

Wyre Forest's infection rate was 266.6 cases per 100,000 people with 270 positive cases recorded - up slightly from the previous week.

In a message to residents, Dr. Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “At the moment in Worcestershire, we are starting to see our positive case numbers stabilising. This does not mean they are going down, but the rate of increase is starting to stay consistent. This is good news, we welcome any signs that the measures in place are starting to work. Your hard work is beginning to pay off and I thank you for that. But we should not be complacent now.

"We are still seeing far higher numbers of Covid-19 cases than we did a few weeks ago. We are still seeing widespread community transmission, and unfortunately there remains a long way to go yet. Community transmission rates tell us that the virus is with us wherever we go. We all need to take great care to protect ourselves and everyone around us.

“I know you are well aware of the steps to take, by now it has become a part of all our lives. But however many times we have heard the messages, we need to ensure we keep following the advice; Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, wear a face covering where needed and if you are unable to keep 2 metres apart and please keep your distance from others. 2 metres is further than you think when you are standing talking with someone. I completely understand this feels unnatural but please double check that you are 2 metres apart, it really does help to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We are now just weeks away from Christmas and the holiday season. I know many of you will be wondering if you will be able to spend precious time with loved ones. We are awaiting national guidance from Government which will guide us all on what is going to be possible during the festive season. In the meantime, I know you will be wanting to prepare for the holidays and I’d ask you to stay local as you shop, use online shopping and support our local businesses and services, many of whom can deliver to your home. Please try to plan ahead, look for ways to connect online and try to minimise the number of people you mix with.

“The best way to get the Worcestershire Covid-19 cases down, is to follow all these guidelines and measures. Please keep doing all you are doing, it is working. Continue to follow all the advice, stick to the rules. Let’s pull together and look forward to a happy and healthy 2021. Thank you.”