Richmond reports London's highest Covid infection rate

In the seven days up to October 14, the borough reported a surge in the number of new Covid-19 infections recorded, with 874 cases recorded over the week, up 207 or 31 per cent from the previous week's figure.

The data prompted authorities to issue a "stern" warning to residents to follow Covid safety measures as the borough's infection rate stood at 441.1 cases per 100,000 people, higher than any other borough in the capital.

Richmond's neighbours also showed high rates of Covid-19 infections amid soaring cases and rising deaths nationally.

Kingston, for example, reported 718 new Covid infections over the period, up 125 or 21.1 per cent on the previous figure, with an infection rate of 400.8.

⚠️ Case numbers are rising ⚠️

Hear from @Gareth_Roberts_ in his weekly update. The highest proportion of cases are those aged 10-19. We hope to share information regarding walk-in vaccination centres which will be available during half-term very soon #KeepRichmondSafe pic.twitter.com/zUgz6k4CRf

— Richmond Council (@LBRUT) October 15, 2021

And in Hounslow, coronavirus infections jumped to 1,193, up 248 or 26.2 per cent for a similarly high infection rate of 439.0.

Richmond Council issued the following statement on Tuesday (October 19) amid the worsening situation:

"Currently the highest proportion of positive COVID-19 cases in Richmond can be seen in the younger aged population (11-16 year olds), many are yet to be vaccinated. Most of the cases are linked to outbreaks in schools and in education settings.

"The result of this increase is a disruption to learning for the rising number of young people who test positive and are not able to be physically in school," a council spokesperson said, urging the vaccination of children aged 12-15.

Council Leader Gareth Roberts added:

"I do feel that the country has become a tad complacent over the past few months. And with nearly all restrictions now gone, schools have gone back and the vaccine programme continuing, some might say that we have confined COVID-19 to history. In short that is wrong. COVID-19 is still here. It is still deadly. And it can still play havoc with our economy, our children’s education, and our long-term health. We must not be complacent."

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