Kentish Express Ashford & District
Is second rise in virus cases sign of slowing decline?
More positive tests as weekly deaths also up
New cases of coronavirus across Kent and Medway have risen for the second time in the space of three weeks - suggesting a steady decline across the region is slowing.
Statistics show there were 209 positive tests in the week up to June 5 - up 7.2% from the week before.
At the same time, the number of weekly Covid-19 deaths reported on Tuesday rose for the first time in seven weeks.
The Office for National Statistics recorded 69 deaths between May 23 and May 29 - three more than the 66 reported the week before.
As is typical given the method of recording, the latter figure has since increased to 85, with deaths added retrospectively.
But the latest figures for both people testing positive for Covid19 and those losing their lives to the infection indicate the end of a steady fall.
The number of new cases has dropped significantly since a peak of 997 in one week in the middle of April, but two seven-day increases since May 15 will fuel speculation the easing of lockdown on May 13 has slowed improvements.
In the latest week, Tunbridge Wells saw a 16% spike in new cases, recording 35 positive tests - the most across any area in Kent and Medway.
It previously had the region’s lowest number of cases, but its total of 243 is now higher than neighbouring Tonbridge.
It also recorded the second highest number of deaths in the week up to May 29, with eight.
Only Folkestone and Hythe, with 12, reported more.
A total of 1,282 people had died of Covid-19 across Kent and Medway by May 29 - 65% of them in hospitals and 27% in care homes.
Seven areas have now recorded more than 100 deaths, with Medway reporting the most, at 173.
The death toll rose to 100 in Ashford, which continues to have the second highest infection rate in England.
Public Health England and Kent County Council - which looks after testing across the region - were both asked to comment on the figures, but neither responded.