OXFORD's Lord Mayor is reminding people to keep wearing a face mask when they go shopping.

Last week Public Health England announced that coronavirus cases in Oxford have risen threefold, with 31 cases in the previous week.

Across the country there is an increase in cases, and restrictions that were expected to lift on August 1 will stay in place.

Now Oxford’s Labour council leader Susan Brown and Green Lord Mayor Craig Simmons are urging people in Oxford to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

It is currently a legal requirement to wear a face mask on public transport and in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres.

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Ms Brown said: “It’s very easy, you just need to put it over your ears and make sure your nose and mouth are covered.

“I am concerned that there are still some who don’t understand the politeness of wearing a face mask to protect others. Please be kind, wear a mask.”

Councillor Craig Simmons, Lord Mayor of Oxford said: “Until we have this virus beaten, we need to all wear masks whenever we are in close contact with others. For example, in shops and hairdressers.

“This is not just to comply with the law, it is about respecting others. So please look after those around you, and together we can protect Oxford.”

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Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection.

The accepted thinking is that if more people wear face masks, the less chance the virus has to spread.

The council has said people should continue to follow other guidance that has helped reduce the rate of coronavirus, including regular hand washing with soap and water and maintaining one metre plus distancing.