Here are the latest Covid infection rates across Hertfordshire - and it's good news

Across the county the number of weekly cases dropped from 2,040 to 1,681 - a decrease of around 18 per cent.

North Herts, including Hitchin presented the lowest number of Covid cases in the entire county, with 104 cases per 100,000.

The borough of Stevenage was in third place with 121 cases per 100,000.

According to the data presented (as of November 26, but excluding the last four days) the incidence rates across the county were:

North Herts 104.3

St Albans 117.4

Stevenage 120.8

Dacorum 130.9

Welwyn Hatfield 139.3

Hertsmere 147.8

Three Rivers 148.3

East Herts 155.3

Watford 169.5

Broxbourne 210.6

The date shows that over the previous seven day period, infection rates had decreased in all but one of the district and borough areas (Dacorum).

However, despite the decrease in infection rate, Herts director of public health, Jim McManus said the government had no alternative than to put the whole of Hertfordshire into Tier 2.

"There is a fine line here – and if we are being realistic Tier 2 is the right place for us to be at the moment," he said.

Mr McManus also added that he expects the first members of NHS staff to be vaccinated in Hertfordshire by the end of the year – if the vaccine is approved by the MHRA.

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Here is the latest government advice to help combat Covid and get you and your family safe from coronavirus:

As winter approaches, we'll be spending more time indoors. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading.

The following reconstructions of everyday environments show why washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping at least 2m apart is vital in controlling the spread.

Coronavirus can live for more than 24 hours indoors.

You could pick up or pass on the virus by touching a contaminated surface.

Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing it on.

Coronavirus can be found in tiny droplets coming out of your nose and mouth.

Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth reduces the spread of droplets carrying the virus. This means if you have it, you're less likely to pass it on to others.

Larger droplets can land on other people or on surfaces they touch. Spreading the virus through droplets is most likely to happen when you are less than 2m apart.

Smaller droplets called aerosols can stay in the air for some time, especially if there is no ventilation.

So when you are with people not from your household, you must keep at least 2m apart.

The risk of spreading the virus through smaller droplets is much less outdoors, where there is more ventilation.

Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. These are the three most effective ways we can all control the spread of the virus.

Remember if you have any coronavirus symptoms; high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk.

Together, we will control the virus and stop the spread.

Don't forget, Hands, Face, Space.