Richmond Council said the number of so-called pillar 2 cases of Covid-19 are "small".

Pillar 1 cases are of people tested in hospitals and Public Health England labs while pillar 2 comprises those from drive-through centres and home tests run by commercial centres.

The former are published by the government on a daily basis and the results shared with local authorities who can provide the number of coronavirus cases in their area.

However, pillar 2 test results do not show up in the local figures on a daily basis, leading many people to question the ability of councils to provide an accurate, up-to-date picture.

Richmond Council is set to publish its Pillar 2 figures later today (Thursday, July 2).

Yesterday evening the council wrote on Twitter: "We know that many of you are worried about the borough's #Covid19 figures - see this graphic for an update.

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"The #Government will allow us to publish our Pillar Two figures tomorrow (Thursday) - but they are LOW!"

In the graphic, the council wrote: "From the start of March till the end of June, Richmond-upon-Thames has seen a total of 418 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 145 deaths via the Pillar 1 testing route - with only 2 cases in recent weeks.

"The Government will NOT allow us to publish our Pillar 2 figures until Thursday, July 2.

"HOWEVER - we can confirm this number is small - less than Pillar 1."

A number of residents responded to the council's post.

Anne Rae wrote: "Thanks very much. There have been various rumours circulating. Good to get the facts."

Emma Woodburn asked: "Why won't they allow you to publish pillar 2 cases until tomorrow??"

Earlier this week, a number of national and regional titles published a graphic showing Richmond was one of 36 areas in the country at risk of a local lockdown.

Richmond Council disputed this, criticising the Daily Express for "scaremongering".

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