The rate of Covid-19 cases in the London borough of Kingston is now almost double the UK average as cases of the virus continue to rise in the region.

New Government data shows that the rate of infection in Kingston was 42.3 in the week ending May 20, compared to a UK average of 23.7.

This is the first time since March this year that the 7-day covid infection rate in Kingston has risen above 40 as rates of covid have been trending down in the borough over the past few months, in line with the rest of the UK.

Back in January, the rate in Kingston was high with 366 cases per 100,000 people, but by February this had calmed to 49 .

The infection rate measures the number of people with a positive Covid-19 test per 100,000 of the population and is a key metric used by the Government in decision-making.

Cases of the virus in Kington borough have also risen sharply over 7 days last week, jumping from 41 to 75, an increase of just over 80%.

This is also much higher than average across the UK, according to the data.

The news comes amid concerns about the 'Indian' variant prevalent in the London borough of Hounslow , which has bus links to Kingston.

The Indian variant is a more transmissible strain of the virus and there are currently eight 'hotspots' where cases of it have been identified in the UK.

Health chiefs confirmed yesterday that non-essential journeys are allowed to hotspot areas after a day of confusion over conflicting Government guidance.

Nub News will continue to bring you updates on this story.

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