Babergh now has the highest rate of coronavirus infections in Suffolk and concerns are growing that the 40-69 age group was becoming the most infected.

Stuart Keeble, director for public health in Suffolk, revealed Babergh, which includes the Shotley peninsula, now has 63 cases per 100,000 of the population and that has increased from 18 since the beginning of October.

"That is steep increase but it is still lower than the regional's and national average. We also feel that rate is starting to flatten out but we need to see more data," said Mr Keeble. This week's stats (pictured) show Babergh's weekly rate has dropped slightly, while other districts have risen.

He added: "At the beginning of September the biggest growth was the 18-30 age group, in particular the youngest of that cohort, which reflects a national and international picture. That increase is starting to flatten now and that could relate to youngster at university.

"What is more concerning now is we are starting to see the rates between 40 to 69 year olds increasing. This is not an unusual pattern, you tend to find at national and international level that as cases start to grow in the younger age group they work up to the older age groups.

"As we get into the older age groups, especially over 70s there are higher rates of longer term conditions and more vulnerability and then we see more people admitted to hospitals and unfortunately losing their lives."

Babergh has also seen the biggest increase in positivity test with an increase from 0.3% to 2.9%.

Mr Keeble said: "We also look at positivity rates and again we have seen a steep increase in Suffolk and Babergh