278 new Covid cases over the weekend increase the risk of Milton Keynes being placed in Tier 3 this week

On Saturday there were 138 positive tests and on Sunday there were 140.

Figures for the past 24 hours will be released later today, but they need to show a sharp decline to avoid any possibility of MK being placed in Tier 3 restrictions when the government makes its assessments on Wednesday.

There were no new coronavirus-linked deaths in the city over the weekend, and the toll still stands at 228 since the start of the pandemic. The total number of local cases is now 4,981 and the infection rate is 196 cases per 100,000 people.

Council leader Pete Marland said: "The number of cases has started to rise again. There are now more people in hospital with Covid-19 than in the national peak in the spring. This is very worrying."

He added: : "Pressure on the NHS is a key factor whether an area is placed in Tier 3 restrictions. The rise in our cases and pressure on our NHS now means we're at an increased risk of entering Tier 3.

"I don't want this to happen. The impact on our economy and local businesses would be great. It's vital that we all take extra care and strictly follow the guidance."