Oxfordshire residents are being asked to remain cautious and use judgement about wearing face coverings in indoor public spaces as Covid cases have risen sharply after showing declines during much of January.

Covid cases among young schoolchildren in Oxfordshire are among the highest in the south east of England.

Cases in the county have risen by 25 per cent in the seven days up to 21 January with 8,323 recorded.

Cases in five- to nine-year-olds doubled during the same week and there was also a big increase in 10 - 14-year-olds.

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People of parental age in their 30s and 40s also have higher case rates than other groups.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “It was good to see Covid cases in decline during January, but they have now bounced back to some degree and that is particularly marked in very young age groups.

"Our cases in primary school and early secondary school age children in Oxfordshire are among the highest in the south east of England.

“With Plan B restrictions being eased, people will naturally want to relax and be less guarded. That’s understandable after all we’ve been through this last two years. However, it’s worth people knowing that cases are still at a really high level and factor this into their plans as they go about their daily lives.

“This includes continuing to take sensible precautions to help slow the spread of the virus. For instance from January 27 it is no longer a requirement to wear facemasks in indoor public spaces but it might often be a wise judgement to do so. It’s also important to keep testing so that you know if you have the virus and should isolate to avoid passing it on to others.

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“Ventilating indoor spaces, washing hands regularly and all of the other sound advice that has applied throughout the pandemic is still important. For those who have not yet had the booster jab, we would encourage you to come forward as soon as possible if you are eligible.

“We are of course continuing to monitor the statistics on a weekly basis and we will draw people’s attention to important trends when they arise. This is certainly one such occasion – with a change in the trajectory of local cases very evident, especially among the young.

“Nationally, the message remains that we should all be cautious and we would certainly reflect that here in Oxfordshire.”