THE coronavirus infection in Worcestershire is starting to stabilise, figures suggest, however cases are still high in some areas among the over-60s and working age people.

Four out of six districts in Worcestershire have seen infection rates fall in the most recently recorded seven day period, however Redditch saw the biggest week-on-week rise in the entire country.

In the seven days up to January 18, Redditch recorded an infection rate of 717.8, compared to a rate of 591.1 a week earlier.

Worcester also saw a rise - from 676.7 to 687.6.

Bromsgrove's most recent infection rate stood at 521.6, compared to 586.7 for the seven days to January 11.

Wychavon had a rate of 449.7 - a week earlier, it was 541.6.

Wyre Forest's infection rate was 367.3 in the latest figures, compared to 465 seven days earlier, while Malvern's rate fell from 313.9 to 302.4.

Public Health officials in Worcestershire say cases in Redditch are still on the rise.

A high percentage of cases in the last two weeks - around 80 per cent - were among working age people, many of whom are not able to work from home.

These key workers are in sectors such as manufacturing, child-care, supermarkets and healthcare.

Employers are being urged to ensure staff keep to social distancing guidance at all times, including breaks and on the way into and out of work.

Workers are being asked to ensure they don’t travel to work together unless absolutely necessary and that they don’t mix during lunch hours or during breaks.

Alongside this, there is evidence of outbreaks in neighbourhoods and amongst neighbours. Cases in the over 60s are also high.

Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Dr Kathryn Cobain said: “Our key workers are vital to us all, so it’s important they are protected from Covid-19.

"We are seeing a high number of cases amongst our workforce who cannot work from home. So I am asking all employers to help encourage workers to keep to the social distancing rules, in and out of work. We want our key workers to be safe, so please keep to the rules.

"We are also seeing neighbours passing the virus on, and I’d remind all our residents that if you are helping support a neighbour, please make sure you keep your distance.

"Don’t spend time in another house and remember to wear face coverings and step back if you are dropping essentials on a neighbours doorstep.

"If someone tests positive in your household, you can reduce the chance of everybody becoming unwell.

"Keep household surfaces clean and open windows where possible to help reduce the spread of the virus in your home.

"These measures can help us stay well and should bring the number of cases in Redditch down. We all need to act together to protect everyone in Redditch."