Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Watford, with figures showing cases began increasing again while the town was still in lockdown.

Watford has one of the highest coronavirus infection rates across Hertfordshire, with the rate having risen over 150 cases per 100,000 population.

With lockdown now over, and despite the prospect of a vaccine, the town’s mayor Peter Taylor has urged residents to “remain vigilant” and to continue to follow the rules.

The latest figures for Watford shows 156 cases were recorded in the seven days to November 29, equivalent to an infection rate of 161.5 per 100,000 population.

This is the second highest in Hertfordshire – only Broxbourne is higher with a rate of 175.8.

Watford’s cases had been on the way down during lockdown until the final week, when 62 were recorded collectively on November 26 and 27.

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The rate was as low as 121.1 in the week to November 25, but now it has crept up to levels the town saw pre-lockdown.

Data provided by Hertfordshire County Council shows the rise in cases between November 23 and 28 was attributed to various age groups - for example there were 14 cases involving people aged 50-54 and 13 aged 15-19.

Leggatts ward in North Watford has seen the biggest increase in cases over the last week or so with 27 cases in the seven days to November 28, followed by Holywell with 19.

Speaking about the latest rise, Mr Taylor said: “I look at figures every day and I know there will be fluctuation. We saw them level off, fall and now they have gone up. The key message to all our residents is to follow the rules.

“We are still in tier 2.  You can’t just pick and choose rules you have to follow them if you want to bring cases down.

“The good news is that a vaccine is on its way, which is even more of a reason to follow the rules.”

He added: “If you have symptoms don’t ignore it. Get tested.”

Neighbourly Bushey is currently the biggest Covid hotspot in our area of Hertfordshire.

A total of 77 cases recorded across Bushey North, Central, and Bushey Heath in the seven days to November 28 – up from 45 in the seven days to November 21.

The infection rate has dropped in Three Rivers but multiple cases have recently been recorded in Oxhey Hall (19) and Carpenders Park (17)

Below you can see the latest infection rates for every Hertfordshire district.