Positive cases of Covid-19 have continued on a downward trend on the Shotley peninsula, along with other areas within Babergh and the rest of Suffolk councils, bar one.

Data up to yesterday, 15 August, show 146 people in the district were tested positive within the past week, the lowest in the county, and leaves Babergh 302nd out of 358 areas in the country.

The figures come as self-isolation ended for double-jabbed and under-18s in England

From today, an important government Covid-19 requirement has been changed.

People who have had two Covid vaccinations or are under 18 will not have to isolate for 10 days if they have been in contact with a positive case.

People are instead advised to take a PCR Covid test (but they will not have to self-isolate while waiting for the result), wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and limit contact with other people. You can find your nearest PCR testing site or book an appointment on the Gov.uk website.

Anyone who tests positive or show symptoms will still be legally required to self isolate for 10 days, even after this new rule change.

As of 15 August, there have been 40,697 total lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Suffolk. In total there have been 5346.1 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people. This is the lowest overall COVID-19 case rate in the East of England.