High Peak Covid-19 cases more than doubled between August and September

The High Peak saw cases shoot up to 65 between September 1 and 14 - from 23 during the previous two-week period.

Dean Wallace, Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health, warned ‘if you’ve got symptoms act like you’ve got it and stay at home’.

Mr Wallace said this ‘isn’t the first time we’ve seen a rise in the High Peak’ which ‘isn’t surprising given the close proximity to the areas affected by the extra restrictions’.

However he added: “We can’t afford to be complacent in Derbyshire. It’s vital that everyone plays their part in helping to beat this virus which is still spreading.”

“The message is simple. Keep washing your hands, cover your face in enclosed areas, keep a safe distance from others and keep social gatherings to no more than six people – including children - both indoors and outdoors.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation and will take action if needed in the future.

“But if we all stay alert and take sensible precautions we can prevent the spread all get back to what we love to do more quickly.”

Dean Wallace, who is leading Derbyshire’s response to the epidemic, urged local people to help stop the spread by following Government advice and rules to avoid even tighter restrictions being imposed - similar to the extra lockdown measures in areas such as Greater Manchester.

He added: “Nationally there have been some problems with people obtaining tests but that’s no excuse for not staying at home if you’ve got symptoms.

“Do the right thing – stay at home, book a test and help protect the people you love.

“But please don’t book a test unless you have symptoms — you could be taking a test away from someone who really needs one.”

Parents and carers are also being urged to make sure teenagers and young people are following the rules as they can pass the virus on to elderly or vulnerable relatives.

Anyone with symptoms can book an appointment for a free test or request a free home testing kit online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling NHS 119.

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