One person every hour is testing positive for Covid-19 in Milton Keynes today

Today's count brings the total number of new cases in the city to 1,284 since the start of the pandemic.

Anther temporary testing centre opened in Stantonbury today (Wednesday) to cope with the demand.

Nationally there were 14,162 new cases today and 70 deaths, bringing the UK death toll up to 42,515

Throughout the UK, 3,145 patients are currently in hospital with Covid-19 and 410 of them are in ventilator beds.

Mayor of Milton Keynes Andrew Geary said this afternoon: "The current situation is proving most concerning and whilst government sources are trying to steer clear of referring to the current high number of cases as a “second spike” it is becoming clear that the forecast resurgence of the virus is now taking place."

"Presently this doesn’t seem to be having the same devastating effects locally on both health and life as the first wave did - but that is no reason to be complacent.

"Whilst the new rules and guidance are quite restraining, it is important to continue to observe these in order to limit the spread as best we can. Milton Keynes residents have risen to challenge thus far and I know they will continue to do so."