SEDGEMOOR has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the whole of England, according to the latest official figures.

The majority of the most recent positive tests in the district are among young people and most have been recorded in Bridgwater.

Cases in the district have doubled in the past week, according to Public Health England (PHE).

The rapid spread of the virus is being put down to increased indoor socialising following the latest easing of restrictions.

Contact with people in indoor locations such as some entertainment and hospitality premises and enclosed spaces such as cars are a factor in the high rate.

Bridgwater is also known to have a relatively young population, with more than half of the latests confirmed cases among people aged under 34.

PHE reported that there were 802 positive Covid tests in Sedgemoor in the week to August 16.

That equates to an infection rate of 649.7 per 100,000 of population.

The rate for the previous seven-day period to August 9 was 397.7 per 100,000.

Somerset County Council public health specialist Stewart Brock said the hike in the infection rate has resulted from people socialising "letting their guard down".

He added: "It's mainly in the teens and twenties. More than half the cases that we're recording are in that age group.

"I think it's just a reflection that people have been getting back to some sort of normality.

"We have Covid wardens visiting businesses where we're seeing cases just to make sure they are doing everything they should be to reduce the risk.

"There's nothing we can specifically put our fingers on."

Bridgwater Mayor Cllr Leigh Redman said: "Bridgwater has a pretty young population compared to the rest of the county.

"Things are opening up and there's a higher level of social contact.

"I want to stress we're all in this together so please follow the guidance."

READ MORE: Q&A on rapid increase in Covid cases in Sedgemoor.