WORCESTER has avoided being placed in the top two tiers of the government’s new system, despite being close to the threshold.

The latest data on infection rates across the country shows the rate for Worcester is currently 80 per 100,000 people. This is higher than the national average of 77.

The figures show there were 81 cases of coronavirus in the city in the week from October 3 to October 9, an increase of 14 from the week before.

In Malvern Hills, the current infection rate sits at 64 per 100,000 people with 50 cases in the week leading up to October 9. This is an increase of 10 from the previous week.

In Wychavon, there are 48 cases per 100,000 with 62 cases in the week leading up to October 9. This is actually a decrease of 17 compared to the previous week.

READ MORE: What does the government's three-tier system mean for Worcestershire?

Worcester MP Robin Walker called on people in the city to keep up the good work keeping the infection rate down.

He said: “It is a very concerning situation nationally but thankfully we are in the lowest tier for now. Although we are in the medium risk tier, we still need to take the proper precautions and respect the rule of six.

"Hopefully it will be something of a wake-up call to those who are breaking the regulations."

Under the new government system, all local authority areas will be put into the ‘medium’ tier by default, with areas experiencing local lockdowns currently being placed in ‘high’.

The places where infections are rising the most quickly will be placed into the ‘very high’ category. This will involve bans on social gatherings and the closures of pubs and restaurants.

READ MORE: Another coronavirus case confirmed at school in Worcester

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, prime minister Boris Johnson said: “The number of cases has quadrupled in the last three weeks and there are more people in hospital now than in March.

“There are those who believe we should go into a second national lockdown of indefinite length, but I do not believe that is the right course of action.

"There are also those who say the patience of the public is expended, and that we should stand aside and let the virus run its course.

“I understand the emotions and frustrations of those who have been chafing under the restrictions, but if we were to take that step, not only would there be an intolerable death toll, we would put so much strain on the NHS that the doctors and nurses would not be able to treat patients for cancer, heart disease and other conditions.”