The number of Covid cases in Ledbury halved in a week, figures show.

According to the latest Government data, there were 70 positive cases in the Ledbury area in the week up to January 12, a 50.4% drop on the previous seven days.

The case rate per 100,000 people, which is used to compare areas of different population size more easily, dropped from 1,334.1 to 707.5.

Across Herefordshire as a whole, there were 1,680 Covid cases in the seven days to January 12, a drop of almost 40% compared to the week before.

The case rate for the county is still a little higher than Ledbury’s, sitting at 867.7.

Government data also shows there have been no Covid deaths (deaths within 28 days of a first positive test) recorded in Herefordshire since January 2. To date, there have been 335 deaths within 28 days of a positive test since the pandemic began.

The Government is expected to announce this week that a host of Covid measures will be scrapped before the end of the month.

Plan B rules, which include mask wearing in schools, on public transport and at indoor events, Covid passports and advice to work from home, will be reviewed on January 26.

The need to take lateral flow tests for international travel is expected to stay in place.

As of this week, those testing positive for Covid can end their isolation after five days as long as they’ve done two negative lateral flow tests. 16 and 17-year-olds are also now eligible to get Covid booster vaccines.

Sajid Javid, the health secretary, took to Twitter to encourage those who haven’t already to get their booster dose.

“With a record 1,800 walk-in vaccination sites now open, it has never been easier to roll up your sleeves to get protected against Covid-19,” he said.

Mr Javid also said over 90% of people aged over 60 in the UK had now been boosted.

“I am grateful to all of our NHS staff, volunteers and those who’ve had their jab for helping to reach this monumental achievement.”

In Ledbury, 69.7% of eligible people have had a third or booster dose of a Covid vaccine.