The removal of Covid-19 controls has coincided with a sharp rise in number of people testing positive for the virus across the Richmond borough.

While the number of people taking a test has been stable over the past month, the proportion who are positive is up from around 10per cent to almost 16%.

The figures, from the DataRich website relate to statistics collected up to March 10.

The stats also put the rate of infection per 100,000 people aged 12 and over at 703.5, which is significantly above the 483.6 for London and 550.3 for England.

These figures also show that as many as one in four of people across Richmond have not had two doses of the Covid vaccine, despite all the public health messages and warnings.

Richmond Council and the local NHS have recently operated pop-up vaccination centres in Richmond and Twickenham to help boost numbers.

A further four deaths have been linked to the virus, which brings the total for the borough since the start of the pandemic to 407.

Council leader, Gareth Roberts, said: "The numbers are starting to increase again and this is almost certainly related to the fact that all the restrictions have been lifted.

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"The sheer fact is that we are all letting our guards down and that is how the virus spreads. So we do need to do everything we possibly can to get on top of the virus and start driving those numbers down again.

"The most effective way we can do this is to make sure everybody is vaccinated. And if you have yet to be vaccinated, or need a booster, you can go on to the NHS website and get full details.

"We also need to make sure that even though restrictions have been lifted we consider following the guidance with which we have become so familiar over recent months.

"That is wearing a face mask when you are in shops, supermarkets or travelling on public transport, or when you in an enclosed public space. Maintaining a social distance of at least 2m when you are out and about.

"Washing your hands whenever possible is always good public health advice. And, of course, if you are meeting people indoors please try to ensure that the room is well ventilated and there is a good supply of fresh air."

For information about getting vaccinated click here.