THERE has been 53 new Covid-19 cases in Somerset in the last 24 hours.

Sedgemoor had the largest increase with 22 positive tests, bringing the total number since the start of the pandemic to 4,865.

There were 18 new cases in South Somerset, and the total now stands at 4,852.

Mendip had four new cases and Somerset West and Taunton had nine. In Mendip, the total is now 3,157 and in Somerset West and Taunton is it 5,676.

The latest infection rates (based on the most recent seven-day rolling figures) is also dropping in all four districts. Somerset West and Taunton has an infection rate of 90.3 per 100,000 (down from 99.9); Mendip has a rate of 67.5 (down from 75.3); South Somerset has a rate of 58.8 (down from 65.9); and Sedgemoor has a rate of 112.8 (down from 127.5).

Sadly, there were also six more people who tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 28 days who died in the four districts. With one in Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset. And two in both Sedgemoor and Mendip.