Richmond Council leader Gareth Roberts has given a video update on Covid-19 in the borough.

In this broadcast Mr Roberts (Lib Dems, Hampton) addresses the recent spike in infections that we have seen.

He reiterated his message that the increase is a cause for "concern" but not alarm and urges everyone to follow good hygiene practices and social distancing measures.

Watch the video above or read the transcript of his message below.

Hello, this is the latest Covid-19 update for Richmond upon Thames.

Over the last seven days we have seen 31 new cases of the virus identified in the borough.

This will bring our total number of cases identified since March 2020 up to 605.

Unfortunately since February 2020 we have seen 152 deaths in the borough that have a direct link to Covid-19.

Over the last seven days we have tested 2,241 people and we have had a positive return rate on those tests of 1.6%.

The discrepancy between the number of cases identified and the positive return rate is explained by some people being tested multiple times.

Cause of recent increase in infections

We know that this is a spike in the local area. However, it is a cause for concern, not a cause for alarm.

Our recent Covid-19 coverage:

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Why Richmond is seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases - council leader

Richmond records 600th positive test as rate climbs further

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It must be remembered that Richmond has a low number of infections. So any spike of this type is going to appear disproportionately large.

And it must also be remembered that we are seeing this across the whole of London, not just here in Richmond upon Thames.

It is largely owing to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions. We've identified the data and we've not been able to identify any clusters of cases within the borough and we're confident that there are no wards or postcodes that are disproportionately affected.

[h3]What everyone should do

What we do know is that in order to control the virus we need to keep following the guidelines that we've been following for the last few months.

• Wash our hands wherever possible
• Wear a face covering when we're on public transport, in shops and supermarkets
• Maintain social distancing

We also know that one or two of the cases that have come back have been from people who have been on holiday abroad and we appreciate that when you are on holiday the temptation can be to let your guard down.

However, that cannot happen. Whether you're at home or abroad, it is absolutely vital to follow the guidelines.

Test and Trace system

The reason we're able to bring you this level of detail is because NHS Test and Trace is working well in the borough and, as a borough, we have a robust response and a firm grip on the situation.

I hope you find this sort of video reassuring. Please stay healthy, follow the guidelines and together we can beat the virus. Thank you.

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