Health and care organisations from across Somerset have joined together to remind people to follow Government social distancing rules to minimise the increase of positive cases of coronavirus across communities.

The warning comes as new figures show the rate of transmission of the virus – known as the “R value” for the South West has increased to 1.0

Louise Woolway, deputy director of public health, said the increase highlights the importance of following all Government guidelines to cut the spread of the virus and to protect the NHS.

“Although Somerset continues to have low overall numbers of positive coronavirus cases compared to other parts of the country, this is a stark reminder that the virus is still active in our local communities and has not gone away,” she said.

Somerset County Council’s director of children’s services Julian Wooster said that advice to head teachers was constantly reviewed and thanked them for their support.

“Heads, teachers and other education staff have worked hard over the past couple of months to keep children safe and now to expand lessons in primary schools,” he said. “We are keeping a very watchful eye on all the data. This new transmission rate figure is just one part of the picture here in Somerset but an important one and none of us can afford to relax and ignore the guidelines.”

Minehead GP Dr Ed Ford, chairman of Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said health and care personnel across the county were working extremely hard to respond to the growing demand on healthcare services and to help keep the people of Somerset safe. 

He added: “We all have an important part to play in helping to reduce the spread of the infection by following recommended guidelines around social distancing and remaining cautious. 

“As the lockdown gradually eases, more children go back to school, and we are able to meet limited numbers of people from another household outside, it is essential that we continue to remain alert to the virus and act responsibly to protect ourselves, our family and our front line workers.”