Surrey's coronavirus infection rate has risen by almost half in just seven days, making it now one of the highest rates in the UK.

The latest rate for Surrey is 29% higher than the England average. And over the fortnight up to January 5th, the number of people admitted to Surrey hospitals suffering from Covid-19 increased by 140%. 

The latest rate for Surrey is 29% higher than the England average. And in the last year of 2020, the number of people admitted to Surrey hospitals suffering from Covid-19 increased by 140% on the week before.

With healthcare in particular under so much pressure, some working in the police, fire service and council will be temporarily moving jobs to help out where their skills are most needed.

The forum of public services fighting the virus in Surrey, the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), said it would be redeploying some staff between organisations. This could involve, for example, firefighters driving ambulances.

The LRF has been operating under a major incident status ever since March, but say the next few months will be 'some of the most difficult we have had to face'.

County council data shows the number of cases per 100,000 population for the week ending 1st January was 738.1, while the previous week it was 504.1, an increase of 46.4%.

Sharing resources.

Steve Owen-Hughes, one of the LRF's chairs, said: "By prioritising our efforts and sharing resources, we can collectively support the health service and the most vulnerable in our society, while remaining steadfast in our mission to help the NHS deliver the biggest ever vaccination programme in its history. "Vaccinations, along with testing and local contact tracing, is critical in beating this virus. "Since March last year, by working together, we have saved hundreds of lives and provided support to thousands of people. We believe the next few weeks and months are going to be some of the most difficult we have had to face, as infection rates rise still further. "I know how frustrating it is to be faced with another lockdown and I would like to thank the vast majority of Surrey residents for playing their part over the last few months. "However, now is not the time to ease up if we are to save lives and protect the NHS and we need everyone to continue with their efforts."

He urged everyone to stay at home and, if outside for a lawful reason, to wear a face mask, wash hands and stay two metres apart.

"We all have a responsibility to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives," he said. "Only by working together will we beat this deadly disease."

The only local authority areas in England with similar or worse rates than Surrey are Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Wolverhampton, Hartlepool, Isle of Wight and parts of London, Essex and Kent.

The latest Government restrictions and guidelines can be found on the GOV.UK website or on the Surrey County Council website.