THE number of new coronavirus cases recorded in the city grew by almost a third in the last week according to the latest figures.

A total of 437 cases were recorded in Worcester in the week up to October 20 – a rise of 31 per cent compared to the previous week.

Cases increased across the south of the county during the week including a rise of 36 per cent in Malvern Hills and 17 per cent in Wychavon.

As many as 772 cases were recorded in Wychavon, which includes Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich, in the week up to October 20 – the highest among the county’s six districts.

As many as 155 cases were recorded in Evesham with 154 cases recorded in Droitwich and 26 cases recorded in Pershore.

Droitwich Spa West and North – which includes the town’s Westlands estate – was highlighted on Public Health England’s coronavirus hotspot map due to a 23 per cent rise in cases compared to the week before.

A total of 57 cases were recorded in Fernhill Heath and Ombersley in the week – a rise of 30 per cent compared to the week before – which meant the two villages were also included on Public Health England’s hotspot map.

Public Health England said 315 cases were recorded in Malvern Hills in the week including 85 new cases in Malvern.

A nine and ten per cent rise in Redditch and Bromsgrove saw cases rise in the two districts to 550 and 683 for the week.

A total of 650 cases were recorded in Wyre Forest in the week up to October 20 – a rise of two per cent.

NHS figures show 40 people were hospital in Worcestershire with Covid-19 on October 19 including three people in intensive care.

A total of 431,175 people in Worcestershire have now been vaccinated against Covid-19 having received both doses of a vaccine – just over 78 per cent of those aged 12-years-old and above in the county.

This is compared to the 461,884 people who have so far received at least one Covid jab which is close to 84 per cent of the population.