People urged to follow government public safety guidance with rise in coronavirus cases across Cherwell area

Coronavirus cases have slightly increased for the Cherwell area

In the seven days up to September 11, there has been a total of 105 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire. This is an increase from 82 new cases in the previous week.

This is equivalent to a weekly rate of new cases of 15.2 per 100,000 residents.

The largest number of positive cases occurred in the city of Oxford, which had 41 positive cases bringing into an amber alert status.

An amber alert happens when cases rise above 25 per 100,000 of the population.

Oxfordshire County Council issued an advisory about the amber alert for the city of Oxford, which urged people to continue to follow the government's public safety guidance.

Cherwell district is now on yellow alert status for the number of coronavirus cases in the area with 24 positive cases.

Cherwell Cllr Perran Moon, who represents the Grimsbury and Hightown areas of Banbury, said: "These latest stats for Cherwell are a cause for concern.

"As schools and businesses reopen, we are now at a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19. A large part of our ability to get our economy back on track, to protect jobs and livelihoods is dependent on all of us adhering to the guidelines of washing hands, making space and covering face.

"But it must be said, another critical aspect is for government to fix the failing testing system as well as ensuring that our care homes are supported with everything they need. Frankly, they have had months over the summer to get these right - and now they have some urgent catching up to do."

The Oxford, Cherwell and South Oxfordshire areas all saw an increase in COVID-19 cases over the seven-day period. But the South Oxfordshire area remained in the green alert status area 15 positive cases.

The West Oxfordshire area had 14 positive cases and the Vale of White Horse area had the lowest number in the county with 11 positive cases.

COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire (graphic from Oxfordshire County Council)

A Cherwell District Council spokesperson said: "There has been a slight rise in cases in Cherwell in recent days. People should be alert, abide by the rule of six, keep their distance, wear facemasks and wash their hands regularly to give the area the best chance of containing further rises.”