ALL areas in Worcestershire have seen a significant rise in coronavirus cases since Christmas, Public Health bosses say.

The director for Public Health in Worcestershire says people's behaviour over the Christmas period have "directly resulted" in the county recording its highest Covid-19 infection rate since the pandemic began last March.

We previously reported how Worcestershire's infection rate reached 287.2 per 100,000 people in the week up to December 29 - the most recent data available on the government website.

But figures released by Worcestershire's Public Health team show the infection rate has since risen to 317, showing an even sharper rise since Christmas.

In the latest seven days, Worcestershire has seen 1,888 positive Covid-19 cases, which is more than all positive cases seen during May, June, July, August and September combined.

Bromsgrove remains the district with the highest infection rate at 400 per 100,000, although Public Health bosses say every area has seen a significant increase since Christmas.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, the director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “ The rising figures are concerning and we are clearly seeing a deteriorating picture across our county.

"The surge in cases is a direct result of our behaviours over Christmas, through people mixing and seeing others, the virus has been spreading.

"We are seeing our local NHS experiencing significant impacts with more people in hospital now than at any point in the pandemic.

"We need to act immediately to stop this transmission. Reduce how many people you see, stop mixing with others, follow all the rules.

"It is down to every one of us to prevent the spread of this virus and to reduce the cases in Worcestershire. Please help us reduce the transmission of Covid-19 and protect all our loved ones."

Councillor John Smith, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “ We all have an enormous responsibility now to curb the spread of this virus.

"We must not drop our guard and let this virus spread further. This new year brings fresh hope with the vaccines beginning to roll-out to our residents.

"While we wait for the vaccines to be given, let’s work together to get our Covid-19 cases down, and protect everyone in our county."