Rugby's covid-19 cases surpass the national average - but council does not believe it is the new strain

Rugby's covid-19 cases have risen by 133.6 per cent with 327 total cases over the last week - now putting the borough above the national average.

As of today, December 22, Rugby Borough has a rate of 300.2 cases per 100,000 people - the highest rate in Warwickshire, with Warwick having the second highest rate at 221.2 per 100,000.

There are cases across the borough but Rugby Borough Council said the areas most affected are Benn ward, Eastlands ward, Admirals and Cawston ward and Coton and Boughton ward have the highest numbers of cases.

Rugbeians reacted to the news by asking whether the new strain of the virus - believed to be substantially more contagious but not any more dangerous to those who catch it - is responsible for the rise.

But this morning a spokesperson for Rugby council, writing on social media, said the council does not believe the new strain is the cause.

Rugby council has been contacted for further clarification.

Despite Rugby now having the highest case rate in the county, the Government is not expected to facilitate mass testing for those without symptoms until January.

Four of these testing sites have already opened in Warwickshire - the latest one having opened in Leamington this morning.