Why Sheffield’s Covid-19 case rate continues to rise – and whether we should be worried

His statement came as the infection in Sheffield now stands at 130.5, with 763 new cases recorded in the week to March 23 - the latest date for which reliable figures are available.

This means, there has been an increase of 20.3 per cent compared to the previous week, when 634 new cases were recorded in the city.

The health boss said: "We have seen a slow rise in cases over the past week this is because restrictions have been eased and schools have reopened.

"With less people staying at home infections are likely to rise and it is what we expected to see.

“Cases in Sheffield are dramatically different from where we were after Christmas and this is because people have been following the national guidance by staying home and remembering hands, face space.

"We are still strongly advising everyone to continue to do this in order to give us the best chance of avoiding another lockdown.

“We monitor very closely any areas across the city where we see a spike in cases and we work with local communities to limit the spread of the virus.

“The vaccine programme is moving at pace, and we need everyone to continue to do their part whilst we get the country vaccinated allowing for restrictions to be further eased.”

The ‘stay at home’ rule has now been lifted, as England reaches Step One in its roadmap out of the Covid-19 lockdown beginning today.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.