PEOPLE in Herefordshire have been told by the public health chief they must follow the new rules or there could be another surge in coronavirus cases.

Latest figures from Public Health England show the number of people in Herefordshire testing positive for Covid-19 is falling, with a peak of 67 on November 10.

Since then, there has been an overall downward trend. On November 25, which is the most-recent day with complete data, shows there were 29 positive tests taken.

The Government website shows that over the most-recent seven-day period, to November 24, the average number of cases was 19.4 – this compares to a peak of 53.1 on November 12.

But as Herefordshire leaves lockdown and goes into tier 2 restrictions, acting director of public health Rebecca Howell-Jones said coronavirus is still in local communities and everyone must pull together to stop a second surge.

She said: “Herefordshire residents and businesses have made a tremendous effort in following the national covid guidance since the pandemic began. This has helped to keep our case numbers low compared to other areas of the country.

“This has once again been reflected in our numbers following the lockdown and I am urging everyone to keep up this excellent work to help prevent another surge in cases.

“The virus is still in our communities and every social contact is an opportunity for it to spread. Keep yourself and others safe by following the hand washing, face coverings and social distancing guidance, as well as the new Tier 2 rules.”

Under tier 2 rules, people must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. Outside, the rule of six applies.

Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals with last orders at 10pm.

Weddings and funerals can also go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies with 15 allowed to the wake

People must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.