THE number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Reading is “increasing sharply” and the town must “act together now” to prevent another lockdown.

That’s the message from councillor Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, who is calling on people across the town to follow government advice and stop the rise in infections.

It comes as the government is expected to tighten restrictions in areas of the country with the highest infection rates next week.

READ MORE: Are Covid marshals coming to Reading?

Since Monday, October 5, another 75 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Reading, meaning the town’s total has reached 1,091,

Reading’s overall infection rate of 674.4 cases per 100,000 people is higher than the average for the South East (540.2) but lower than the national average (873.1).

In a message sent to people across Reading, Cllr Brock said: “The number of coronavirus cases is now increasing sharply and we are heading back towards the same spread of infection we saw in April.

“This could soon lead to tougher local restrictions unless we act together now to slow the spread of the virus.”

He is urging people to wash their hands regularly, maintain social distancing, wear a facemask when necessary, avoid meeting in groups larger than six and isolate if they show any symptoms of the virus.

READ MORE: Reading traveller encampment site set up in Caversham

“Let’s do the right thing for Reading by following the advice and stopping the rise in infections,” added Cllr Brock.

Reading has recorded the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in Berkshire (166) during the pandemic.

However, Slough has recorded the most cases (1,175) in the county and the highest overall infection rate, which now stands 785.7 cases per 100,000.