Buckinghamshire is "increasingly on the government's list as an area of concern" for potential movement into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions, council leader Martin Tett has warned - as infections continue to rise.

The county had low rates in August, but it has risen to 109.7 per 100,000 members of the population for Bucks as a whole.

South Bucks has an "extremely high" rate, Cllr Tett has said - with 161.8 cases per 100,000 members of the population - up from 122.1 last week.

It comes as neighbouring areas like Slough have already gone into Tier 2 because of rising cases. 

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Cllr Tett said: "Worryingly, the rates are now increasing in all parts of Buckinghamshire, not just the south."

He added that while hospital admissions remain low as young people catch the virus, it is "continuing to spread into older age groups" - meaning Covid patients in hospital could increase.

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He said: "This could mean a rise in hospital admissions in three or four weeks time as more vulnerable groups are infected.

"This would coincide with when hospitals are at their busiest during winter months.

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"Therefore, Buckinghamshire is increasingly on the Government list as an area of concern and for potential movement into ‘Tier 2’, with extra restrictions across a range of our everyday freedoms and impact on jobs."

The council has this week launched a campaign with Buckinghamshire NHS and Buckinghamshire Public Health to make people aware of "how serious the situation is", which has included street banners and posters in shop windows.

He added: "I am concerned at the number of people who continue to ignore the basics and seem to believe that Covid has either disappeared or poses no threat to them. To protect each other we all have a role to play."

You should also:

• Stay at home if you have symptoms and booking a test, even if your symptoms are only mild

• Observe the rule of six indoors and outdoors

• Always stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often

• Wear a face covering where required (unless you’re exempt)

Cllr Tett is also asking people on a voluntary basis to avoid socialising with other households indoors at home.