Public Health chief insists there is no cause for concern following spike in Hertfordshire's Covid-19 figures

Hertfordshire County Council is reminding people to follow government guidelines and play their part in preventing outbreaks of Covid-19 in Hertfordshire.

To do that, people should continue to wear face-coverings where expected, wash their hands regularly, observe social-distancing and keep to the ‘rule of six’.

According to Public Health England, there have been 6,593 confirmed cases of coronavirus recorded in Hertfordshire, and 804 in Dacorum.

A technical issue meant that almost 16,000 positive cases of COVID-19 recorded across England between September 25, and October 2, were initially missed by the national test and trace system, of these 158 were recorded in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire's Public Health Director, cllr Tim Hutchings, has reassured residents that although this shows an increase in the county's coronavirus infection rate, at this stage there is 'no cause for undue concern'.

But he has reminded people to continue to follow the government guidelines.

He said: “As has been well-documented, a technical issue meant that almost 16,000 positive cases of COVID-19 recorded across England between 25 September and 2 October were initially missed by the national test and trace system.

“Of these, 158 cases have been recorded for Hertfordshire. We believe this will show an increase in our coronavirus infection rates but, at this stage, there is no cause for undue concern.

"The main age group affected is under-35s, although cases are across all age bands, with a large number of them being students who do not study in Hertfordshire but have provided their home address here as their main place of residence.

“As part of our response, we have so far conducted thorough investigations in St Albans, Watford, East Herts and Hertsmere, and we’ll carry out similar reviews of the current situation in each of Hertfordshire’s other six districts and boroughs.

“Everyone to test positive will, in line with government guidance, be expected to self-isolate and we can offer support with that, including through Herts Help to ensure people can get food shopping, vital medication and debt advice.

“As well as this, everybody to test positive is being contacted by the national test and trace system or by our local contact tracing service – we will prioritise the most recent cases and those we believe present the biggest risk when following up contacts.

“The additional cases are a reminder that the virus is still circulating in our county, so it’s vitally important we all keep working together to stop the number of cases rising any further.

“We want to avoid tougher measures being introduced in Hertfordshire.

"To do that, people should continue to play their part by wearing face-coverings where expected, washing their hands regularly, observing social-distancing and keeping to the ‘rule of six’.

"If you think that you may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, you should self-isolate for 14 days.

"If you have some of the coronavirus symptoms, you should call 119 or book a test at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

For more information and guidance visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.