THERE were 437 confirmed positive Covid tests in South Somerset in the latest Government figures reported today (Thursday, January 6).

In the week between December 31 and today, 2,206 people tested positive for the virus, an increase of 71.4 per cent on the previous seven day period.

By yesterday (January 5):

140,439 people had been given a first dose of the vaccine;

131,761 people had received a second dose;

106,500 people had been given a booster or third dose.

Across the South West, 149 people with coronavirus went into hospital on Tuesday (January 4).

Between December 29 and January 4, 973 people in the region went into hospital with coronavirus, an increase of 35.5 per cent compared to the previous seven days.

There were 852 patients in hospital in the South West with coronavirus today (Thursday), of which 53 are on a mechanical ventilator.

There were three deaths in South Somerset between December 31 and today of people within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.

READ MORE: Latest Somerset West and Taunton Covid cases.

READ MORE: Latest Sedgemoor Covid cases.