REDDITCH residents are being urged to follow government guidelines this Easter to make sure Covid cases continue to decrease across the borough.

Restrictions were eased earlier this week in time for the Easter break - but Worcestershire Regulatory Services enforcement officers fear a combination of good weather and school holidays could see crowds gather and Covid cases increase.

Despite the relaxed restrictions, which sees six people or two households only being able to meet in gardens or public places, residents are urged to still socially distance when queuing for takeaways, not to mix households, to minimise travel where possible, no overnight stays and to not crowd in local beauty spots.

Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services Simon Wilkes, said: “While the Covid numbers are decreasing, in general, we want residents to continue to be conscientious while still enjoying these relaxed restrictions.

“Our enforcement officers, who can issue fines to businesses, for breaches of Covid regulations will continue to make checks.

"Our Covid Advisors continue to be a presence in communities to help people and remind them of the requirements. So please take their advice and most importantly act appropriately to keep yourselves and others, safe.”

In the week leading up to March 27, the Covid-19 infection rate in Redditch was 98.5 per 100,000 people, with 84 cases recorded.

This has dropped from the previous week, leading up to March 20, where the rate was 156.0 per 100,000 people, with 133 positive cases.