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Figures show the south west region now has the highest infection rates in England. The latest data shows the region has a rate of 475 per 100,000 residents, which is around one third higher than England’s 327.6.
Although North Somerset's rates have fallen from a peak a few weeks ago, numbers are on the rise again and busy places, especially indoors, increase the risk of the infection spreading.
Residents and visitors can continue to reduce their own risk, which in turn will help to keep rates down in North Somerset, by taking advantage of the forecast good weather and staying outside, as well as avoiding crowded areas, keeping up good hand hygiene and using face coverings.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s executive member for health, said: “Covid is still a very real risk and we are unfortunately continuing to see our residents hospitalised due to this nasty infection.
“This isn’t a disease that only older people need to worry about. Our highest Covid rates are in 18 to 30-year-olds, which is also the group with the lowest vaccination rates. This means you are more likely to catch Covid and get seriously ill as a result, as you don’t have the protections offered by vaccinations, if you are younger.
“So, it’s really important to keep doing those things you know will lower your risk of catching the disease when you are out and about.”
North Somerset Council’s director of public health, Matt Lenny, said: “We all know what will help reduce our own risk of catching and spreading Covid-19, now we need to make sure we keep up those good habits.
“Washing our hands regularly, covering our faces when we’re in crowds – especially when we’re indoors, and keeping distance between ourselves and those we don’t live with are still important.
“As are the benefits of fresh air. Get outside as much as you can or open up windows and doors if you are inside.
“Most importantly, if you do develop symptoms of Covid – a new continuous cough, a change to your sense of taste or smell, or a high temperature – stay home and book a symptomatic Covid-19.
"If you are due to attend an event, show, concert or music festival, use a rapid test before you go and stay home if it's positive."
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus can book a test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Rapid tests can be ordered online, or collected from most pharmacies and North Somerset Council's mobile testing unit. Find details at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rapidtesting