Latest statistics are showing a small rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases in East Devon.

149 new cases, 16 of which were in East Devon, were recorded across the county for a seven-day period starting 16 April.

This compares with the previous week of 10-16 April, for which there were 109 new cases in Devon and just eight in East Devon.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "Now is another critical time, if we're to avoid an upturn in cases again.

"The latest data is beginning to cover the period since restrictions have eased. At the same time, the vaccines are rolling out to younger priority groups.

"Naturally there's optimism in the air, and although that's good news, I do want to repeat the need for us all to remain very cautious, otherwise we will start to see those case numbers in Devon rising again.

"Right now, the vaccine alone is not the single solution. It's vital that the measures that we're all familiar with – keeping our distance, wearing face coverings when indoors in public spaces, and washing our hands regularly – remain part of our everyday lives."

As of 18 April, 73.9% of all adults in East Devon have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Across the rest of Devon, 67.1% of adults have had their first dose, with 20.9% of all adults also having received a second dose.

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