Hertfordshire County Council's director of public health Jim McManus has reported that increases in Covid cases are moving into older populations.

Coronavirus infections that had initially been concentrated in lower age groups are now said to be moving into more mature age groups.

Mr McManus highlighted shopping as a cause of major spread – as well as highlighting healthcare settings, education and childcare.

And he said there were currently 75 Covid patients in 'acute' hospital beds in Hertfordshire – including eight who were receiving mechanical ventilation.

"This idea that very few people are getting ill this time – and so don't need to be bothered about hospitals – is a bit of a myth circulating," said Mr McManus.

Mr McManus said that advances in treatment meant more people were receiving non-invasive oxygen treatment – and that more people were surviving.

But pointing to the increasing pressure on the NHS, he said there were currently a further 142 people recovering in hospital from Covid in rehabilitation beds.

And he admitted that overall the county was in a position that was "worse than I would like".

"I would like us to be the county that keeps it under control," he said. "It's not as bad as many other areas – for me that's little consolation.

Current 'lockdown' restriction s are expected to decrease the number of infections by 40 per cent – compared to a 70 per cent reduction last time, when schools were closed.

Mr McManus stresses most people have been "absolutely brilliant" in responding to the 'lockdown' restrictions.

But he recognises that there are people who are 'treating it very differently this time', which he suggests is because they are 'very tired'.

He stresses that the impact the latest 'lockdown' will have on the virus is still 'in the hands of each and every one of us'.

He highlights an increase in the number of people pulling face masks from their noses while shopping – and those who then have a cigarette without hand-washing.

And he said: "I know we are all tired but we need to get back to it."

Meanwhile executive member for public health and prevention Cllr Tim Hutchings warned that things were 'not going to be anywhere near normal in the foreseeable future'.