Despite the increase in cases, "the spread of the virus locally is still comparatively low," the Wiltshire Council leader has claimed.

In the seven days to October 10, 232 new cases were reported in the Wiltshire Council area compared to just 147 in the week to October 3.

The rate of new cases per 100,000 people has gone up from 29.4 to 46.4 as a result.

Despite the rise, the local authority has been placed under the medium risk level (Tier 1), which means it will not be subjected to harsher restrictions.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “This is clearly still a difficult time for the country and we hope this new system will help slow the spread of Covid-19.

"Wiltshire’s alert level is ‘medium’ which means the current restrictions remain in place and we need people to continue to be vigilant. Our top priority remains the same – to continue to support Wiltshire residents and businesses through this pandemic so that the county emerges as strong as possible when we reach the other side. We have focussed our resources and way of working to give us the best possible opportunity of achieving this.

"Although local Covid-19 cases are rising, the spread of the virus locally is still comparatively low in Wiltshire, but we all must play our part and not be complacent as we’ve seen in other areas how quickly the situation can change for the worse. That means keeping washing hands, wearing face coverings where required and socially distancing. People must also self-isolate when told to so, and this is now a legal requirement. If we keep doing this and supporting one another, then we stand the best possible chance of keeping each other safe.”