LATEST figures show how coronavirus is affecting each age group in Herefordshire – with one reaching a record high.

Public health statistics released by the government show the rate of people with at least one positive Covid-19 test result per 100,000 population in a seven-day period.

The data shows the 20 to 24-year-old group has the highest infection as of July 17, and it's the highest it has ever been as a record number of people in that group have tested positive.

The infection rate for the week to July 17 was 1165.8 cases per 100,000, slightly higher than the previous high of 948.7 in the seven days to January 7.

The most recent figures also show high infection rates in other age groups, including 636.5 for 10 to 14-year-olds, 1,011.2 for 15 to 19-year-olds, and 539.7 for 25 to 29-year-olds.

The infection rate for older groups is lower, with no groups over 40 seeing an infection rate of more than 200 cases per 100,000 people.

No one aged between 75 and 84 had tested positive for Covid-19 in the seven days to July 17.

A total of 8,562 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in Herefordshire when the UK coronavirus daily dashboard was updated on July 22 (Thursday), up from 8,034 the same day last week.

It was after Herefordshire's public health chief urged caution as restrictions eased on Monday.

Rebecca Howell-Jones, acting director of public health for Herefordshire, said: “Everyone in Herefordshire has played a huge part during the pandemic and I want to thank you all.

“However, even though a lot of the restrictions are being eased this week, coronavirus is not going away and indeed the number of cases in the county is rising and expected to rise further.

"I therefore ask everyone to make informed decisions to protect themselves and others and to continue to play their part in keeping Herefordshire safe.

“I, for one, will continue to wear a face covering in indoor public settings and on public transport and would advise and encourage you to do the same. I will also try to socialise outdoors as much as possible.

"We all know the hands, face, space (and ventilation) mantra and continuing to choose to take these actions can help protect ourselves, friends and families from Covid infection.”

The Covid vaccination programme has had a "huge impact and is preventing many serious cases and deaths from coronavirus", Herefordshire Council said.

The vast majority of adults in Herefordshire have had at least one dose of the Covid vaccine (more than 86 per cent), and more than 71 per cent of adults have had two doses.

"However, there are still a significant number of cases, particularly in young adults so, if you haven’t received your first dose yet or are still awaiting a second one, please book it now," a spokesperson said.