ALMOST 200 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in three Somerset districts in a 24-hour period.

The latest update on the UK coronavirus dashboard shows the increase for the 24 hours up to Wednesday (July 21).

A breakdown of three Somerset districts shows:

  • South Somerset increased by 95. A total of 7,014 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in South Somerset, up from 6,919 on Tuesday.

The rate of infection in South Somerset now stands at 4,166 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 8,619.

  • Somerset West and Taunton increased by 42.

A total of 6,999 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in Somerset West and Taunton, up from 6,957 on Tuesday.

The rate of infection in Somerset West and Taunton now stands at 4,512 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 8,619.

  • Sedgemoor increased by 54.

A total of 6,520 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in Sedgemoor, up from 6,466 on Tuesday.

The rate of infection in Sedgemoor now stands at 5,293 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 8,619.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 43,404 over the period, to 5,563,006.

However, there were no new coronavirus deaths recorded in the latest 24-hour period in the three districts, putting the current total of tragic deaths at 160 for South Somerset, 195 in Somerset West and Taunton, and 167 in Sedgemoor.

The figures include anyone who died within 28 days of a positive test result for Covid-19, and whose usual residence was in the district.

Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death, so some areas might see their figures revised down.

Vaccination rates in the districts were as follows:

  • Sedgemoor: 71,643 people had received both jabs by July 20 (Tuesday) – 68% of those aged 18 and over.
  • Somerset West and Taunton: 96,271 people had received both jabs by July 20 (Tuesday) – 71% of those aged 18 and over.
  • South Somerset: 104,637 people had received both jabs by July 20 (Tuesday) – 71% of those aged 18 and over.

Across England, 69% of people aged 18 and above had received a second dose of the jab.