PEOPLE are being urged to remain vigilant and continue to follow Government guidance following a rise in coronavirus cases.

More than 50 Covid-19 tests came back positive in the county council area last week.

And two schools in Taunton each sent home a year group after a pupil contracted the virus.

Year 6 pupils at Parkfield Primary School and Year 7 at Bishop Fox's after all currently self isolating.

A teacher at Hans Price Academy, in Weston-super-Mare, has also caught Covid-19, although the pupils continue to attend.

Somerset’s director of public health Trudi Grant is stressing the importance of acting responsibly on the day the 'rule of six' comes into force across England, meaning people can only meet in groups of up to six in any setting.

Ms Grant said: "I cannot stress how important it is we continue to remain vigilant and follow the government guidance.

"We are seeing increasing cases across the country, including here in Somerset.

"We’re all in this together and preventing spread of the virus and protecting our loved ones is up to us.

"The only way we can do this is through our behaviour.

"Remember HANDS – wash regularly and for at least 20 seconds; FACE – wear a face covering in settings, if you can; and SPACE – stay two metres apart from others or one metre plus with extra precautions in place such as increased ventilation or face covering if two metres is not possible.

"If you do start to show symptoms, however mild, please self-isolate immediately and book a test online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or phone 119. Please keep trying throughout the day if local test slots aren’t available. And please don’t book a test unless you are showing symptoms."

Ms Grant said there has been an increasing number of cases in young adults and people aged 50 to 65.

She added: "We need everyone who is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, and identified as a close contact of someone with confirmed coronavirus, to do what they are asked and stay home for 14 days.

"That means not going to work, school or any social activities. I know this is really hard, but we all need to play our part. If you need any help while staying at home, you can phone the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275.”

READ MORE: Parkfield Primary School Year 6 self isolating

READ MORE: Bishop Fox's Year 7 self isolating