East Suffolk, including Felixstowe, has been placed on an East of England watchlist by Public Health England, due to a continuing rise of Covid-19 cases.

Areas which are seeing a rise of cases Felixstowe, Beccles, Bungay, and Lowestoft, which have joined West Suffolk towns Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, and Newmarket on the list.

Data for cases of Covid-19 in East Suffolk (correct as of 7 October 2020) shows:

Rate per 100,000 (in the last seven days) - 30.9

Cases in last seven days - 46

Cumulative - 1,073

West Suffolk

Rate per 100,000 (in the last seven days) - 33.00

Cases in last seven days - 43

Cumulative - 702

Rate per 100,000 (in the last seven days)

Suffolk - 26.93

England - 108.7

East of England - 41.1

Although cases have been confirmed at Felixstowe School in the past couple of days, Public Health England insisted he rise in cases comes from across the community and is not specifically linked to a certain group of people, or type of workplace.

Felixstowe councillor Steve Gallant, leader of East Suffolk Council, said: "The communities of East Suffolk have been incredibly vigilant throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, however there has been a slight rise in numbers locally as we experience a nationwide increase in infection.

"At this stage, we are not being asked to follow any new or stricter guidelines than those currently in place – however we do want everyone to continue being as careful as possible and to ensure that numbers to do not continue to increase in a way that may cause us greater concern.

"Please remember the 'rule of six' and avoid gathering in groups larger than six people. Also remember "hands, face, space", so please maintain the best possible health and hygiene standards by washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask and maintaining a two-metre distance from people wherever possible.

"It is clear that we are not suffering the same level of infection as other parts of the country and I am very proud of the efforts made by everyone in East Suffolk. However, we simply cannot let our guard down and allow the virus to take a greater hold. We must not take any chances in our battle with Covid-19."

Stuart Keeble, director of Public Health Suffolk, said: "Unfortunately, the number of cases in the county, particularly in East and West Suffolk, has continued to increase. This is a shot across Suffolk's bows and means that we all need to sit up and pay attention – Covid-19 is circulating in our communities.

"But the good news is that we can quickly bring numbers back down again by using our common sense and stop the virus from spreading."

Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board said: "I ask that all Suffolk residents, especially those in East and West Suffolk, remind themselves of the importance of washing your hands, covering your face and keeping your distance from others.

"We simply must stop the transmission of the virus between people. You can still meet people you don't live with, in groups of up to six – but you must still keep two metres apart. We are not living in normal times: if you're visiting the shops, don't stand directly next to others in the checkout queue or when browsing shelves; give people space when passing in the street; if you visit somewhere that looks busy, come back later.

"Residents in East and West Suffolk have done exceptionally well to keep the number of cases to some of the lowest in the country. However, if we simply carry on as we are, we will be moving towards the tougher restrictions which we are seeing elsewhere in the country."

If you experience any of the recognised Covid-19 symptoms, you must immediately book a test and begin self-isolating. If you cannot book a test straight away, be patient and keep trying. You have up to eight days to take your test from when you first experience symptoms.

Symptoms are:

a high temperature

a new, continuous cough

a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You can book a free test by visiting the NHS website or calling NHS 119.

For the latest information on coronavirus and how to stay safe, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus