UPDATE:
LATEST figures show that Redditch has the second highest Covid-19 infection rate in Worcestershire, affecting 159.5 per 100,000 people.
These figures, recorded over the last seven days (as of yesterday), are higher than in Worcester, Malvern Hills, Wyre Forest and Wychavon.
Only Bromsgrove, with an infection rate of 174.2 per 100,000 people, is higher.
The introduction of giving rates per 100,000 is said by the government to give a fairer comparison of the number of cases in each area.
But the figures do not take into account the different rates of testing or differences in the age and sex of the local populations.
Fears are mounting over the possibility of the county being plunged into Tier 2 regulations.
This would mean people not being able to mix socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble.
The very high alert level – Tier 3 – involves even tougher restrictions.
Neighbouring Birmingham has an infection rate of 272.1 per 100,000, with the city looking increasingly likely to enter Tier 3 next week.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “Redditch is facing a large increase in the number of coronavirus cases.
“We must act now to drive down these figures and protect the most vulnerable and look out for each other.”
Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “So far we haven’t featured in the government’s discussions in moving Worcestershire into Tier 2, but obviously if things change and the number of cases continue to rise, this will be on the table.”
In neighbouring Warwickshire the seven day average rate is 199.6 per 100,000 in Warwick District, 122.2 in Stratford District, 165.5 in Nuneaton and Bedworth, 222.2 in North Warwickshire and 133.1 in Rugby.
