Covid-19 cases in Harrow dropped by almost 50 per cent over the past week as the vaccine rollout continues across the borough.

Latest government figures showed there were 126 fewer positive tests between February 23 and March 2 when compared with the previous seven days.

This represents a drop of just under 43 per cent as 169 people in the borough tested positive for the virus.

It means the rate per 100,000 residents is at 94.8, continuing the trend of being below 100 that was first recorded on February 24.

This is a stark contrast to the peak rate announced on January 8 covering the previous seven days, which was 993.8 per 100,000 people.

Despite these encouraging signs, councillors and health professionals have urged people to remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce the spread of Covid.

In a newsletter sent to residents last month, Cllr Graham Henson (Lab, Roxbourne), leader of Harrow Council, said: “There will be some way to go before we as a nation can reduce infection to a manageable level.

“We will still need ‘Hands, Face and Space’, and we need to test more people, so that we can quickly identify those that need to stay at home for ten days.

“Please continue to stay at home unless you have to leave for work, essential shopping and exercise and medical reasons – and make sure you have a mask and sanitiser with you if you do have to go out. Please stay safe and take every precaution to do so.”

On Monday (March 8), schoolchildren will return to physical classrooms as part of the Government’s roadmap to reopening the country following a third nationwide lockdown.

Additional safety measures will be in place to begin with, including regular testing and the use of face masks in all areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.