SOMERSET saw just 30 positive Covid-19 tests in the latest 24-hour period as infection rates continue to drop.

The latest new confirmed cases were seven in South Somerset, which has now had a total of 4,966 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic; nine in Somerset West and Taunton (total 5,770); 11 in Sedgemoor (5,013); and three in Mendip (3,254). The 704 - overall total for the county council area has risen to 19,003.

The infection rates based on the latest seven-day rolling figures are 63.6 per 100,000 in South Somerset (down from the previous 64.2); 48.4 in SWT (down from 52.9); 106.4 in Sedgemoor (down from 113.7); and 63.2 in Mendip (down from 64.9).

The number of people who have died in the county within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test stands 704 - of those 179 have been in South Somerset; 198 in SWT; 166 in Sedgemoor; and 161 in Mendip.