THE director of Public Health in Worcestershire is appealing to residents in Redditch to stop the spread of Covid-19 as the district has seen a surge in positive cases.

The latest data shows that Redditch has an infection rate of 47 per 100,000 people. This is higher than the county's overall rate of 37 per 100,000 people.

The cases in the district are rising in those under the age of 50.

Worcestershire County Council said many of the new cases are not related to any known situation and could be prevented with the simple measures that individuals take in their day to day lives.

Public health teams are already working in the district and will continue to target interventions where needed, but said residents and their actions are the key to bringing the cases back down. 

Dr Kathryn Cobain, the director for Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “I am concerned to see the rising infection rate in Redditch and in particular amongst the 20 to 29 year old age group.

"This tells us that people are not social distancing and following the rules which can help prevent the virus spreading.

"I am appealing to everyone in Redditch to help us stop the virus spreading.

"The figures show that the virus is spreading in people under the age of 50, typically workers, those who are socialising and travelling.

"I’d ask everyone to think about how you are going about your daily lives, who you mix with, do you wash your hands, wear face coverings, keep a distance?

"The virus only moves around because we mix and socialise. This is how it spreads.

"If you stop mixing with others, keep your distance, wash your hands and wear face coverings, you are breaking the chains of transmission, stopping the virus from spreading.

"No one wants to see the district face tougher restrictions and so now is the time to take this really seriously.

"You can reduce your risk and the risk of those you love, by following the rules and keeping Covid-19 under control.”

Councillor Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council said; “ We can’t ignore these figures. They clearly show that Covid is in our community and spreading.

"The residents of Redditch can take action quickly, to prevent the situation affecting more lives. We want to see our communities recover and our economy grow, and we can only achieve this if we all follow the guidance, and protect ourselves and the ones we love.

"I’d ask everyone in Redditch to now act, follow the new rules and stop the spread of this virus. We can do this if we act quickly and together.“