ENCOURAGING figures show a drop in the number of daily new confirmed Covid-19 cases in Somerset.

The latest rate of infection figures were also down in three districts and remained unchanged in the fourth.

Figures released for the latest 24-hour period show 51 positive tests in South Somerset, which now has an overall total of 4,190 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic; 44 in Somerset West and Taunton (overall 4,785); 29 in Sedgemoor (overall 4,174); and 32 in Mendip (overall 2,752).

The infection rates per 100,000 population based on the latest rolling seven-day figures are 237 in South Somerset (down from 244.7 the previous day); 347.5 in SWT (down from 364.2); 277.6 in Sedgemoor (down from 291.4); and 295.9 in Mendip (unchanged).

Tragically, there was one death from any cause of a person in Somerset who had tested positive for the coronavirus within the past 28 days.

The overall deaths in each district stand at 118 in South Somerset; 113 in SWT; 106 in Sedgemoor; 112 in Mendip.