Richmond Council has criticised the Daily Express for a "grossly irresponsible" report claiming that the town is one of 36 areas facing a local lockdown.

There have been just two new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last 12 days in Richmond.

The council today said the borough is not currently at risk of another lockdown, even if the virus has not yet been eradicated from the area.

The Daily Express, Mirror and a number of regional titles published a graphic showing 36 areas where coronavirus was was said to be on the rise.

The Express said these areas have "begun to see local spikes and face the risk of being put back into lockdown".

The list included Richmond as well as 14 other London boroughs.

Since the start of the pandemic in March to June 28, Richmond-upon-Thames has seen a total of 418 confirmed cases and 145 deaths.

Rate of Covid-19 cases

In Richmond there have been 212.3 cases of coronavrisu per 100,000 people in the population.

This is below the London average of 310.4 cases per 100,000.

The national average is 286.5 cases in every 100,000 people.

Advice to residents on staying safe

In a statement, the council reiterated that the borough generally has a very low rate of cases compared to other London boroughs, and that it is "entirely expected that cases will rise as people begin to emerge from lockdown and the government's Test and Trace programme expands".

The council reminded residents to "stay vigilant" and adhere to government advice, such as washing hands regularly, social distancing and wearing face masks on public transport.

Those who feel unwell should self-isolate immediately and apply for a Covid-19 test.

'Grossly irresponsible'

Cllr Piers Allen, chair of the adult social care and housing committee, and chair of the Richmond health and wellbeing board, said: "Despite reports in the national papers, Richmond is not about to go into another lockdown.

"It is grossly irresponsible of the Daily Express to publish a report without double checking their information first.

"However, it would be naive to suggest that we haven't got any local cases – but compared to elsewhere in the country, our numbers are low.

"We want to rid our borough of Coronavirus – and we can only do this if residents play their part.

"Should we ever be in a position where we do have a local outbreak, we will be publishing our plan later this week on how we would work with our local partners to respond."

Public Health England view

London's regional director for Public Health England, Professor Kevin Fenton, said the number of new cases of coronavirus in the capital is "under close, active surveillance" and that "small fluctuations day by day are to be expected."

He said: "The increases in some boroughs that have been reported are mainly sporadic and are being uncovered as we scale up testing and contact tracing activity across the city.

"Importantly, the overall levels of coronavirus in London remain low and steady.

"We're working closely with all local authorities to prepare for and manage any potential local clusters and outbreaks and our epidemiological analysis will play an important role identifying if there is a significant sustained increase in the community.

"As we carefully emerge from lockdown, it is important now more than ever that Londoners continue to follow government advice on social distancing, self-isolation, wearing face coverings, and practicing good hand hygiene, in order to keep the number of new cases in London on its way down.

"If you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change to your sense of smell or taste, stay at home and arrange a test immediately."

Got a story? Want to tell us about something going on where you live?

Get in touch via social media: tweet @RichmondNubNews or message us on our Facebook page.

Alternatively, you can submit your own stories by clicking the Nub It button on the Richmond Nub News homepage.