THE Covid-19 infection rate in Redditch remains the highest in Worcestershire after case numbers fluctuated throughout February.

The leader of Redditch Borough Council Matt Dormer has said controlling the virus is “always going to be a challenge” in the area, partly due to the high number of factory workers unable to work from home.

Councillor Dormer also highlighted the need for businesses and workers to continue following Covid guidelines.

He said: “I really do appreciate all of the work businesses have done in trying to reduce the spread.

“Sometimes it can’t always be down to the business. People have to take a bit more ownership and responsibility.”

The latest Public Health England figures show that Redditch’s infection rate was 131.4 per 100,000 people in the week up to March 3 – with 112 cases recorded.

In the previous week leading up to February 24, the infection rate was 193.5 per 100,000 people – with 165 cases recorded.

In nearby Bromsgrove, the infection rate was 56.1 with 56 cases recorded. In Worcester, the infection was 71.1 with 72 cases recorded.

Here is the coronavirus data for Redditch for the seven days up to March 3:

Batchley & Brockhill - 15 cases, (up 8), rate of 170.8

Arrow Valley & Ipsley - 13 cases (down 8), rate of 217.3

Southcrest - 13 cases, rate of 198.3

Redditch Town & Abbeydale - 11 cases (down 4), rate of 152.6

Church Hill South - 10 cases (down 8), rate of 184.7

Greenlands - 10 cases (down 8), rate of 150.2

Matchborough & Park Farm - 9 (down 1), rate of 126.5

Winyates Green - 7 cases (down 8), rate of 125.4

Riverside & Church Hill North - 7 cases (down 10), rate of 113.5

Oakenshaw - 6 cases (down 3), rate of 107.0

Crabbs Cross - 5 cases (down 1), rate of 71.4

Webheath - 3 cases (down 9), rate of 41.9

Cases have risen in Studley, which recorded an infection rate of 269.3, with 16 positive cases. The infection rate in Alcester was at 49.2, with 3 positive cases recorded in the week.