The Covid infection rate has been rising in recent days across Watford and the rest of Hertfordshire.

Along with the rest of the UK, the town is seeing a rise in infections with the highest rates in teenagers.

According to a map published on the Government Covid dashboard, the western and eastern areas of Watford borough recorded the most cases in the first week of September.

For example, there were 46 cases in Holywell and 43 in West Watford, along with 43 in Garston and 40 in the Woodside and Leavesden Green area.

Whereas just 14 cases were recorded in North Watford and 20 in neighbouring Leggatts.

Central Watford saw 37 of its residents test positive for Covid in the seven days to September 7.

Watford's latest recorded infection rate (seven days to September 6) is 385 cases per 100,000 population (372 cases), which is up from a rate of 271.2 the week before.

The highest weekly infection rate in England is Corby in the East Midlands at 724.1 while Westminster in central London has the lowest at 199.4.

Over in Three Rivers, the infection rate currently sits at 344.8, with Croxley Green and Leavesden both recording the highest number of cases in the first week of September with 41.

There were 85 cases across Bushey and Bushey Heath but the infection rate in these areas is similar to that of most places currently in south west Hertfordshire.

Dacorum currently has the highest infection rate in Hertfordshire at 420.7 (654 cases).

According to the latest Government dashboard, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust was caring for 40 Covid patients as of September 7, including seven on a ventilator.

The trust has recorded 935 Covid deaths since the pandemic began; the most recent on September 7. There were also two deaths on September 6 and one on September 4.

Public health data does not tell us if these patients were vaccinated or not.

Watford Observer: A woman receives a Covid vaccination at a pop-up clinic at Watford FC's Vicarage Road stadium. Credit: Watford Borough CouncilA woman receives a Covid vaccination at a pop-up clinic at Watford FC's Vicarage Road stadium. Credit: Watford Borough Council

In England, 80.4 per cent of over 16s are fully vaccinated with a further 8.8 per cent waiting for their second dose.

In Hertfordshire, three quarters of the county's population have received the maximum possible protection against the disease, with just under 20 per cent unvaccinated.

In Watford, 75.4 per cent of residents have had at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, with 83.6 in Three Rivers, and 78.9 per cent in Hertsmere.

These figures are as of September 10 and relate to anyone aged over 16.