A 600th Richmond resident has tested positive for Covid-19.

The number of cases has increased in recent days. Last week from Monday, August 10-16, there were 33 new cases, triple the number of the previous week (11).

Until Saturday, August 8, it had been a number of weeks since there was a single day when more than two people tested positive.

The number of new cases of the coronavirus since then is as follows:

August 8: 3

August 9: 1

August 10: 3

August 11: 5

August 12: 11

August 13: 5

August 14: 5

August 15: 4

Richmond's rate of infection now stands at 303 cases per 100,000 people in the population - up from 278.8 on July 31.

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Over the same period, the London average rate rose from 396.8 cases per 100,000 people at the end of July to 415 today. The UK average has risen from 465.4 to 490.

Richmond Council's leader addressed the recent rise in our infection rate via a video message today (Tuesday, August 18).

He urged residents to "follow three very simple instructions".

1) wash your hands wherever possible

2) wear a face mask when out and about in shops, supermarkets and public transport

3) maintain social distancing

[h3]Lockdown a last resort

London's director for Public Health England, Professor Kevin Fenton, has emphasised that the number of new coronavirus cases "is under close, active surveillance", and PHE is "working closely with all local authorities to prepare for and manage any potential local clusters and outbreaks."

He added: "Reassuringly, our epidemiological analysis shows that the overall levels of coronavirus across the city remain low, and at present, does not suggest the need for further lockdown-like measures anywhere in London and we must view these measures as a last resort."

"If you experience symptoms, such as 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 by calling 119 or go to the NHS website.

"There are plenty of testing slots available across London every day and getting tested helps keep your local community, your borough and London as a city, a safe and healthy place to live."

How to get a test in Richmond

In Richmond you can get tested at a pop-up facility in Old Deer Park on certain days this month only.

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, you can also get tested at the regional testing centre at Twickenham Stadium.

Results are returned within 48 hours.

You can also apply for a home test kit.

They are delivered to your home and then collected by courier once completed.

The pop-up testing centre is being held on the following days this month.

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