All but one of Kent 's areas have seen a rise in Covid-19 cases and several now meet the threshold for international travel restrictions.

In four areas cases have doubled, according to Public Health England data.

The county saw 442 cases recorded in the seven days before October 2, up by 54% from 287 cases the previous week.

The county's infection rate now stands at 23.77 - the highest it has been since May 28 (21.19) - up from 13.71 the previous week. The government has enforced travel restrictions on countries with a rate of 20.

In last weeks report, only Darford met this threshold, but now the only areas under 20 are Maidstone, Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe, Dover and just barely Thanet.

However this is significantly lower than the UK wide infection rate of 101.57, almost double the infection rate of 52.72 the week before.

This rise comes after news of Public Health England losing 16,000 Covid-19 test results after an Excel spreadsheet used to hold the data filled to maximum capacity.

Every area in Kent except Dartford saw a rise in cases last week, with Swale, Ashford, Sevenoaks and Thanet seeing cases more than double.

The highest number of cases was seen in Medway, where 61 cases were recorded and the infection rate was 21.95.

However, the highest infection rate is in Sevenoaks (37.27), where cases rose 150% week-on-week.

Despite a further concerning rise in cases, Kent County Council says their position from over the last few weeks still stands.

Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC Director of Public Health: “We are seeing a rise in cases locally and nationally and although Kent is below the England average, it is really important that residents play their part to help protect themselves and others, particularly the most vulnerable members of the community who are most at risk from severe symptoms.

"It is expected that we will see more cases with children at school, students at university and some people returning to workplaces but we are continuing to work with our partners across Kent, including Public Health England local health protection teams and the NHS, to monitor where cases are occurring and whether there are larger widespread community outbreaks.

"There is also more testing across the county and anyone experiencing Covid symptoms should self-isolate immediately and get a test. It is vital that the wider community in Kent continues to play its part and if you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service, then you should follow the guidance given to self-isolate.

"We also appeal to people to remember social distancing, regular handwashing and wearing a mask in public places to help keep the number of cases as low as possible. You can now also download the NHS Test and Trace app."

For more information go to www.kent.gov.uk/kentprotect

To read more about last weeks Covid-19 cases data, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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