THERE were 322 confirmed positive Covid tests in Somerset West and Taunton in the latest Government figures reported today (Thursday, January 6).

In the week between December 31 and today, 1,980 tested positive for the virus, an increase of 43.7 per cent on the previous seven day period.

By yesterday (January 5):

128,803 people had been given a first dose of the vaccine;

120,622 people had received a second dose;

96,965 people had been given a booster or third dose.

Across the South West, 149 people with coronavirus went into hospital on Tuesday (January 4).

Between December 29 and January 4, 973 people in the region went into hospital with coronavirus, an increase of 35.5per cent compared to the previous seven days.

There were 852 patients in hospital in the South West with coronavirus today (Thursday), of which 53 are on a mechanical ventilator.

There have been three deaths in Somerset West and Taunton between December 31 and today of people within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, a 50 per cent increase compared to the previous seven days.

READ MORE: Latest Covid figures for Sedgemoor.

READ MORE: Latest Covid cases in South Somerset.