Swindon has highest COVID case rate in ENGLAND
New figures have been released
The Coronavirus case rate for the Swindon Borough is currently the highest of any local authority in the country.
New figures show that, over the past seven days, 925 people per 100,000 of the town's population tested positive for the virus.
That is more than double the national average - and 40% higher than the South West figure.
64% of Swindon's COVID cases are currently from residents aged under 18.
However, the roll-out of the Coronavirus vaccination programme has continued to prove successful.
84% of Swindon residents have now received their first dose, with three quarters of people double jabbed.
'Don't go and spread the horror of COVID to those parties'
With some residents concerned about COVID transmission over the upcoming Halloween weekend, we spoke to Swindon's Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern.
"Please remember, if you are going out and about this weekend and attending events ... make sure that you are testing, using later flow, before you go.
"If you have symptoms of COVID, or you do test positive using lateral flow, then you must isolate and book a PCR.
"Don't go and spread the horror of COVID to those parties," he said.
Mr Maddern is also encouraging 'Trick or Treaters' to use hand sanitiser, adhere to social distancing, and wear a mask where possible.