The alert status for positive Coronavirus cases in Oxford has fallen from amber to yellow after a drop in cases following a fortnight of successive rises.

However, Oxfordshire’s public health officials are still asking people in Oxford to remain on their guard and follow infection control methods; wash hands, wear a mask, observe a social distance.

In the seven days up to Friday, August 28, there were 63 confirmed cases in Oxfordshire, down from 88 cases in the previous week. In Oxford, the number was 23, down from 41.

This means that the weekly rate for Oxford currently stands at 15.1 cases per 100,000 population. The city is now at yellow alert status.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health said: “While the figures are going in the right direction, now is not the time to relax. We’ve had an uncomfortable period of being statistically close to areas of the country that we know are on the Government watchlist.

“The message is not to let your guard down. COVID-19 is still circulating and the only way to suppress it is by everyone continuing to do the basics – keep your distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering.

“And if you’re travelling to a country that is not on the exemption list, you must self-isolate for 14 days as soon as you get back.”

The latest Government advice on travel, which is frequently updated, can be found here. This details exempted countries and quarantine procedures.

People who have any coronavirus symptoms must self-isolate immediately and call 119 to book a test. A mobile testing unit is available in Abingdon Dalton Barracks on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 September. Call 119 to book a test or register online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

You can find out more about how to keep yourself safe, and the latest number of cases in Oxfordshire, at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/stopthespread.