POSITIVE coronavirus cases are beginning to stabilise in Worcestershire, latest figures suggest, but Public Health bosses have warned residents not to be complacent as Christmas approaches.

For the first time in several weeks, Wyre Forest saw its Covid-19 infection rate fall compared to the previous week in data published on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the latest Public Health figures, covering the seven days up to November 14, the district had an infection rate of 273.5, compared to 274.5 in the week up to November 7.

Worcester also saw its infection rate fall, from 266.7 to 229.2, as did Malvern, from 130.9 to 115.6, and Wychavon, from 176.2 to 156.8.

However, the rate in Redditch increased, from 330.7 to 353, the highest infection rate in the county, and Bromsgrove's also rose from 213.3 to 293.3.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Worcestershire's director for Public Health, said it was "good news" to see positive case numbers stabilising, but said the figures were still far higher than a few weeks ago.

She said: "At the moment in Worcestershire, we are starting to see our positive case numbers stabilising. This does not mean they are going down, but the rate of increase is starting to stay consistent.

"This is good news, we welcome any signs that the measures in place are starting to work. Your hard work is beginning to pay off and I thank you for that. But we should not be complacent now.

"We are still seeing far higher numbers of Covid-19 cases than we did a few weeks ago. We are still seeing widespread community transmission, and unfortunately there remains a long way to go yet.

"Community transmission rates tell us that the virus is with us wherever we go. We all need to take great care to protect ourselves and everyone around us."

Worcestershire Public Health is now waiting on guidelines from the government as to what the restrictions will be over the festive period.

Dr Cobain added: "We are now just weeks away from Christmas and the holiday season. I know many of you will be wondering if you will be able to spend precious time with loved ones.

"We are awaiting national guidance from government which will guide us all on what is going to be possible during the festive season.

"In the meantime, I know you will be wanting to prepare for the holidays and I’d ask you to stay local as you shop, use online shopping and support our local businesses and services, many of whom can deliver to your home.

"Please try to plan ahead, look for ways to connect online and try to minimise the number of people you mix with.

“The best way to get the Worcestershire Covid-19 cases down, is to follow all these guidelines and measures.

"Please keep doing all you are doing, it is working. Continue to follow all the advice, stick to the rules. Let’s pull together and look forward to a happy and healthy 2021.”