A SURGE in Covid cases across Oxfordshire has seen cases double in a fortnight as the country goes into a third lockdown.

In the last week alone the number of cases increased by 64 per cent - up almost 1,500.

Cases went up from 2,190 in the week to December 25 to 3,591 on January 1.

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Covering the seven days to January 1, infections in those aged over 60 who are more at risk of being hospitalised, have also more than doubled.

Oxford Mail: Change in Covid cases in Oxfordshire. Note dates are wrong and should be December 25 and January 1. Via Oxfordshire County CouncilChange in Covid cases in Oxfordshire. Note dates are wrong and should be December 25 and January 1. Via Oxfordshire County Council

Oxfordshire's director of public health Ansaf Azhar said cases locally and nationally had risen 'hugely' during December and urged people to stay home during lockdown.

He said: "The new variant of Covid-19 spreads extremely quickly and these rules are being applied for our own safety and protection.

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"We have had some good news as regards the Oxford vaccine but in coming weeks it’s important that we keep up the discipline of abiding by the rules."

Oxford Mail: Ansaf AzharAnsaf Azhar

Mr Azhar added: “We have seen how aggressively the virus spreads and during 2020 as a whole we have seen that this virus thrives on human contact.

"We clearly still have some very difficult times to get through before the vaccine begins to make a significant impact on Covid-19."

The health boss said the quick move to a further national lockdown is a 'stark warning' that we need to be 'extra vigilant'.

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He continued: "I would urge people to take personal responsibility as individuals and families throughout the coming weeks to give ourselves a chance of containing the virus and clearing a path for the vaccine.

"It is great news that the vaccine made in Oxford has now become the second in circulation in the UK.

"However this is precisely the time of year when viruses thrive and we must be on our guard."

Current cases

The number of cases in Oxfordshire up to January 1 was:

  • Cherwell 756.1 per 100,000
  • West Oxfordshire 403.1 per 100,0000
  • South Oxfordshire 538.5 per 100,000
  • Vale of White Horse 387.5 per 100,000
  • Oxford 469 per 100,000
  • Oxfordshire 519.2 per 100,000.

The rises have been experienced across all age groups.

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