Coronavirus latest: 'People aren't following the rules' says Luton public health chief

Luton has recorded 627 cases over the past seven days, an increase of 83 (+15.3%) from the week before.

Interim director of public health Lucy Hubber shared her message online amid growing concerns about Covid-19 levels in Luton.

"I'm quite tired this week, and I think we're all tired," said Ms Hubber, while reflecting on the difficulties living under tier two restrictions.

"This week, I wanted to say how disappointed I was that we're beginning to see some cases in Luton because people aren't following the rules.

"I've always been incredibly proud of Luton... but over the last couple of weeks, we've begun to see really clear evidence of people who aren't following the simple rules.

"The rules do change and it can sometimes be complicated to know what tier you're in and were we can go and who we can see, but there are four basic rules that have remained the same.

"And they're easy to understand and easy to follow; wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep your distance

"But we're beginning to see people not follow the fourth rule - if you've got symptoms, no matter how mild, you must stay at home and get a test.

"Some people, when they've got symptoms, are still going to work or sending their children to school. Some people are even having tests and then still going to work while waiting for their results - this puts everybody at risk.

"Please, if you've got symptoms, stay at home and get a test. If the test is negative, you can stop isolating.

"But if the test is positive, by staying at home, you will have saved lives. You will have protected other people, you will have made sure that other people's lives haven't been disrupted and children won't have been sent home from school, when it could have been avoided."