Latest number of Covid cases in Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere

Public health data shows infection rates across Hertfordshire are the highest they have been since lockdown restrictions were eased with the virus spreading in schools.

But there are signs in some parts of the county that the virus is spreading to larger numbers of adults; particularly those aged in their 40s.

Downing Street said it is keeping a "very close eye" on increasing case rates across England and Professor Neil Ferguson has warned it is "critical" the Covid-19 booster programme is accelerated.

In Hertfordshire, 12,537 people have tested positive for Covid in October, with the infection rates highest in those aged between 10 and 19.

The area of the county with the highest rate currently is St Albans district - although this was one of two districts in Hertfordshire that has actually recorded a drop in cases over the last week; albeit a tiny drop.

Watford and Three Rivers district have almost identical infection rates at the moment - around 410 cases per 100,000 population over the seven days to October 15.

In Watford, this is up from a rate of around 296 from the week before, whereas Three Rivers has only seen a small increase from 391.

Our tables show exactly how many cases have been recorded in your neighbourhood between October 8 and 14.

The data, compiled from a map from the Government's Covid dashboard, shows in Watford, there have been multiple cases in every corner of the town, with the highest infection rates in Cassiobury and Tudor.

At least 208 cases have been identified in Watford since October 14 which will soon be added to the map.

The majority of cases involve 10-14-year-olds (a rate of around 1,100), Public Health England data shows, and although there are signs in Hertfordshire of cases picking up in adults, the latest data suggests this has not yet become a trend in Watford.

Exactly a third of Watford's over 12 population is completely unvaccinated against Covid, however the uptake is above 80 per cent in all age groups over 40.

In Three Rivers, it is more of mixed picture with higher levels of cases in areas including Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, and Moor Park.

Unlike Watford, in this district, the infection rates in adults in their 40s has increased, approaching a rate the equivalent of 600 cases per 100,000.

Nearly 25 per cent of Three Rivers' over 12s are unvaccinated.

Hertsmere's infection rate is higher than Watford and Three Rivers', currently sitting at 479.8. This is because of high levels of cases in Borehamwood and parts of Potters Bar, but multiple cases have also been recorded in Bushey and Radlett.

Overall in Hertfordshire, infection rates are broadly in line with the rest of the country, outside of London.

The highest rate in England is in Bath and North East Somerset where the infection rate is 877.5, followed by Somerset West and Taunton at 872.5, and Ipswich at 861.2.

The lowest rate in England is currently in Southwark at 143.7.

According to the latest Government dashboard data, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust was caring for 28 Covid patients as of October 12, including five on ventilation.

The trust has recorded five Covid deaths in October, including on October 15, 16, 17, according to NHS England data. These were patients who have died at a hospital within the trust and either tested positive for Covid-19, or where no positive test result was received for Covid-19, but Covid-19 was mentioned on their death certificate.

The trust has recorded 950 Covid deaths since the pandemic began.

Watford General Hospital, part of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

On Tuesday, the Government said a further 223 people had died across all settings within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the UK total to 138,852.

While the numbers are often higher on Tuesdays because of a lag in reporting deaths and cases over the weekend, this is the highest figure for daily reported deaths since March 9.