CORONAVIRUS infection rates across the county have continued to increase according to the latest figures.

Worcestershire's overall infection rate in the week up to December 23 was 218.4 cases per 100,000 people - with 1,301 cases recorded in the seven days.

This is up from our last reported figure, the week up to December 22 when the figure was 204.1.

Worcester's infection rate was 198.6 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 23 - up from 178.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 22.

Malvern's infection rate was up to 130.9 cases per 100,000 people and Wychavon's infection rate rose to 224.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 23.

The highest rate in Worcestershire was in Bromsgrove at 286.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 23.

Redditch's infection rate was 236.9 cases per 100,000 people while Wyre Forest's infection rate was at 215.2 cases per 100,000 people.

Yesterday we reported Worcester's MP Robin Walker said he now fears the county could be heading for a higher tier.

READ MORE: Is Worcestershire about to move up a tier as Covid-19 infection rate rises?

Worcestershire has been in tier two since the return of the regional tier system after the November lockdown, and when the last review was held the county was at 126.4 cases per 100,000 people.

The government is set to conduct the next review into the tier system tomorrow, (December 30).

• If the county was placed in tier 3, there would be some changes to the rules.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes would all have to close except for delivery, takeaway and drive-throughs.

Mixing with other households would be banned indoors and outdoors except in public parks.

Weddings and funerals could still take place with the restriction on guests the same as tier 2. Care home visits could also take place.

Hairdressers and beauty salons could stay open.

Outdoor grassroots sport would remain banned and all indoor entertainment venues including play centres, bingo halls, arcades, cinemas and theatres would all have to stay closed.