The number of coronavirus cases in Watford is “really serious”, the town’s Mayor has said, as the infection rate reached a worrying milestone.

Recent Government figures showed the borough hit 1,000 cases per 100,000 population during a week’s period, reaching the rate in the seven days to January 2.

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor says the borough council is working “really hard” to ensure cases are brought down and is urging residents to “behave responsibly”.

It comes after families were pictured tightly packed together on Sunday by the skatepark in Oxhey Activity Park, with residents appearing to stand closer than two metres together.

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Watford Observer:

People in Oxhey Activity Park on Sunday - Photo credit: Watford Observer Camera Club Member Robert Stapleton

Watford Police also confirmed the borough was victim to house parties over New Year, with one occurring by Watford General Hospital in west Watford.

The west of the town is one area where coronavirus cases are very high, with 112 being recorded in the seven days to January 2.

Other wards which have more than 80 cases include Leggatts (112), north Watford (90), Stanborough (80), Holywell (95) and Central Watford (83).

Watford Observer:

The latest Covid hotspots in and around Watford. The darker the colour, the more cases there are. Credit: UK Government Covid dashboard

To see the government map click here

Speaking about the situation in Watford, Mr Taylor said: “It is really serious. I am looking at the data all the time and having lots of conversations with public health, it’s a concern.

“Obviously things have changed in the last week and I think the decision to close schools was the right one. We are working really hard to ensure we do whatever we can to bring the cases down locally.

“But that also means residents need to behave responsibly too. We know certain places are particularly high risk, so if you go to a supermarket it is important you wear your mask and that you cover your nose and keep your distance, clean your hands and don’t pick up lots of products and preferably go by yourself.

“We are doing lots of work to make sure that where places are high risk, we take action to try and reduce the risks.”

He also said the role of Covid marshals across Watford is “important” and that patrols will be stepped up.

Mr Taylor said: “We have increased the number of Covid marshals in the last week. We have had a team now operating for several weeks, they have been well received and been picking up any issues locally. Anybody who is not keeping to the rules or any concerns are obviously then followed up really quickly.

“So that team will continue for many weeks to come because it is a really important job at the moment.”