The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise in Hitchin and north Herts according to the latest government data.

Latest figures show 103 people with a confirmed positive test result reported, with 775 over the last seven days to Tuesday, January 12 - a rise of 85 (12.3 per cent).

The estimated R number for the healthcare region of East of England is 1.1 to 1.3 with a daily infection growth rate range of +1% to + 6% as of January 8.

Deaths

There were six new deaths within 28 days of a positive test for coronavirus reported to January 12, with 15 in the last seven days, an increase of six (66 per cent).

The news comes after the government announced a further 1,243 daily deaths - its second highest total since the pandemic started in March 2021 in the UK.

This information comes from the UK Government.

This easy to read document explains the key statistics presented in the UK Coronavirus Covid dashboard.

NB: A confirmed case is where a person has had a positive test result for coronavirus.