SOMERSET has seen a hike of almost 300 new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the latest 24-hour figures.

There were more than 50 positive tests in each of the four districts in the latest daily figures issued on behalf of the Government.

Of the 291 new confirmed cases, 77 were in South Somerset, which has now recorded a total of 3,098 positive tests since the start of the pandemic.

Somerset West and Taunton had 87 positive tests (overall total 3,373); Sedgemoor saw 73 new confirmed cases (overall total 3,175); and Mendip had 54 positive tests (overall total 1,935).

The total of positive tests in the four districts has surged in recent weeks to now stand at 11,581 since the start of the pandemic.

The rate of infection rose in three of the four districts in the latest rolling seven-day figures.

The fortnight saw 451 new confirmed cases in South Somerset, where the rate of infection rose to 267.9 per 100,000 of population from the previous 265.5.

In Somerset West and Taunton there were 718 cases over seven days for a rate of 462.9 per 100,000, up from 449.3.

Sedgemoor had 580 cases at a rate of 470.9, down from 479.8.

And Mendip had 308 cases at a rate of 266.5, up from 242.2.