People who live in Epsom and Ewell are being warned to take extra precautions after a rise in the coronavirus infection rate in the borough.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) urged residents on Tuesday (October 27) to adhere to precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing as they urged anyone with symptoms of the virus to get tested.

In a statement published Tuesday they said positive cases of Covid-19 were "rising steeply" in the borough as they implored residents to help slow the spread of the disease.

"Data published by the county council shows that, for the week ending 24 October, the Epsom and Ewell rate was 109 cases for every 100,000 people.

"This is significantly higher than the majority of Surrey," a council spokesperson said.

Councillor Liz Frost, chair of the health liaison panel and Covid-19 spokesperson, added: “The steep rise of cases across the borough is a serious concern.

"No one wants to see any further restrictions brought in locally, but we need to get on top of the increasing infection rates in the borough.

"Ultimately it will be the Government’s decision on whether further action is required.

“There is no room for complacency," she added.

"I would urge residents to continue following the basic advice of hands, face, space and the rule of six.

"Individual actions can help to stabilise, then reduce, the transmission of the virus and protect the most vulnerable people in our community - it’s in our own hands to keep ourselves and our loved ones, neighbours, staff and customers safe”.

"We continue to work with Surrey County Council, Public Health England and other partners to monitor the case numbers in the borough."

Epsom continues to be on Tier 1 or 'Medium' alert level for coronavirus, despite its higher infection rate than other areas of Surrey.

In the county only Elmbridge, like London, has so far been placed under the more strict 'Tier 2' or High Covid alert level that enforces stricter lockdown regulations.