OXFORD has overtaken West Oxfordshire as the county's worst Covid-19 hotspot, according to the latest figures, but overall infection rates have fallen by a fifth.

The city is once again seeing the highest rates, so mobile testing units will remain in place until at least Wednesday, August 4, which are open to all adults and no booking is required.

All areas of Oxfordshire have reported a decline in cases, although numbers still remain high in all districts.

The current weekly rate for the county stands at 295.5 per 100,000 population, which is a 20 per cent reduction from last week.

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Val Messenger, Oxfordshire County Council’s deputy director for public health, commented: "In line with the national picture, we have seen a drop in cases across Oxfordshire over the past seven days.

"However, despite the overall decrease, rates remain high and it is clear the virus still presents a significant risk.

"We also know that case rates are likely to continue to fluctuate in the weeks ahead as we see the impact of the lifting of lockdown.

"It is clear that everyone's hard work to control the virus over the past few weeks is starting to make a difference, and we’re encouraging everyone to keep it up.

"Continue wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces, such as on public transport or in shops.

"Wash your hands regularly, socialise outdoors if you can, maintain space between yourself and others and ventilate rooms while you are indoors."

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Current case rates in Oxfordshire up to July 23 are:

Cherwell 311.6 per 100,000

Oxford 337.1 per 100,000

South Oxfordshire 259.1 per 100,000

Vale of White Horse 273.5 per 100,000

West Oxfordshire 290.1 per 100,000

The rates in the county also reflect a national drop across all age groups.

While the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 is still rising, it is at a slower rate than during previous waves because of the major impact of vaccinations.

This is why Ms Messenger encouraged people in the county to continue the jab uptake and get tested at the mobile units in the city.

She said: "Of course, our protection against the virus will increase as more of us are double vaccinated.

"So, we are urging people, once more, to come forward to get their first and second jabs as soon as they can and continue to get tested regularly – especially if you have symptoms."