Surrey County Council is urging residents to 'remain vigilant' as new figures show a rise in Covid-19 cases in the county.

Three new hotspots have been identified, with a small rise in the number of cases in Staines, Ashford and Stanwell.

The news comes as the government today announced the R figure - the number of people on average a person with the virus will infect - has risen to between 1 and 1.2. The government is also set to introduce its Rule of Six, which bans gatherings of more than six people, indoors or outdoors, on Monday.

Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey's Director of Public Health, said: "Many of our residents will be aware from the news that there has been a rise in the number of coronavirus cases over the last week across the country, and this continues to be the case in Surrey too.

"We are continually monitoring the data across the county, and we now need to call on residents in Staines, Ashford and Stanwell to further support us in reducing the spread of the virus.

"While Surrey still has comparatively low numbers of Coronavirus infections, we can't be complacent.

"Everyone in Surrey needs to play their part in controlling the virus – remember hands, face, space – keep washing your hands, wear face coverings when required, and keep your distance from people outside your household.

"We are still a long way from a local lockdown and if we all follow guidelines we can avoid taking further measures."

A statement from the authority added: "There are no plans for closure of premises while numbers remain relatively low.

"We will continue to review the data on a daily basis, and we anticipate that with extra vigilance that the figures will come down and additional measures will not be needed."

The rise in cases in Surrey reflects the general picture across the country.

For the latest week of data (29th August - 4th September), 13.5 cases per 100,000 population were recorded in Surrey. This rate is relatively low compared with England (17 per

stable or falling across the region.

In the South East, Surrey has the highest percentage of cases, with 13.5 per 100,000 population, Buckinghamshire 12.7 and Kent 5.3. London has 14.9.

In terms of numbers, Bolton is top of the table, with 326 cases in the week to September 4th, a rate of 113.4 per 100,000,while Surrey is 59th with 162 cases, a rate of 13.5 per 100,000.

Since the official start of the pandemic Waverley has seen 527 cases, a rate of 417 per 100,000 population, with 21 cases reported in the week to September 4th.

Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms – a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste – should book a test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.co.uk/coronavirus. Slots are made available the evening before for morning appointments, and in the morning for afternoon appointments.