Coronavirus cases in Wiltshire have started to climb up again, according to the latest figures.

In the past few weeks, cases had remained steady despite the easing of lockdown restrictions allowing more people to gather, both indoors and outdoors.

Although the rate of new cases remains low, data from the latest weekly period shows a rise in infections across the county.

On Friday June 4, the UK recorded its highest number of new confirmed coronavirus cases – 6,238 – since late March.

There are now reports that the last stage of the roadmap, planned for June 21, could be postponed by two weeks to curb the spread of the virus.

POLL: Should the last stage of the roadmap be delayed?

The data in Wiltshire

The latest figures from Public Health England show that in the week to May 30, 47 cases were recorded across the Wiltshire Council area.

That's an increase of 16 on the week before.

The rate of new cases now stands at 9.4 per 100,000 - earlier this week the figure was seven.

Cases linked to the Indian variant, also known as Delta, have also gone up in recent weeks - going from five to 15.

Wiltshire Council's public health team is reminding the public to continue to take precautious such as washing hands, social distancing and mask wearing where appriopriate.

Roadmap delay

A two-week delay to the planned easing of restrictions in England on June 21 is reportedly being considered after the number of people in the country with Covid-19 rose by 75 per cent.

Multiple reports have also suggested plans to lift restrictions could be scaled down, with social distancing and the wearing of face coverings set to continue amid concerns the Indian variant is fuelling a surge in cases.

According to the Telegraph, a two-week delay to the final stage of Boris Johnson’s roadmap will be used to accelerate second jabs for over-40s, moving from a 12 to eight-week gap between doses, echoing the practice that is already in place for over-50s.

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.