Cases of coronavirus in Medway hit their highest rate since the start of the pandemic with infections now almost double that of the first wave.

October saw a soaring number of infection rates as hospitals are put at risk of being under greater strain than earlier this year with the total number passing the 2,000 mark to reach 2,149.

Some 864 cases were recorded during the month and the latest case rate for the Towns is 113.8 per 100,000 people – 466% higher than at the start of the month but lower than the national average for England at 225.8.

Across the county, October became the worst month of the pandemic with confirmed cases in Kent and Medway 44% higher than April which had the highest numbers previously.

There were 5,596 cases in Kent and Medway combined throughout October – 4,732 in Kent and 864 in Medway – which is 399% higher than September when figures show there were 1,121 cases recorded – including 159 in Medway.

In August, 388 cases were recorded in Kent – including 33 in Medway – meaning the number of total cases reported in October has increased by 1,342% compared to August's total amount when the pandemic reached its slowest point so far.

In April – the previous worst month – 520 cases were reported in Medway leaving October's 864 cases 66% higher.

For the rest of Kent, there were 3,345 confirmed cases in April putting October's result 41% higher.

The increase of 1,731 cases in Kent and Medway for October represents an increase of 44% against the 3,865 total recorded in April.

Medway’s director of public health James Williams has urged people to stay at home, adding: “Even though we are currently seeing a lower rate of infection we cannot be complacent. We all need to play our part to protect Medway, our NHS and the most vulnerable people in our communities by following the national guidance.”

The last 864 cases – the number recorded in October – grew at a far more rapid rate than the previous 864 cases dating back to April 12. The were just 159 cases in September.

In the week leading up to October 1, there were 56 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Medway. But for the seven days to October 28, this increased to 315.

That is the highest weekly average ever since the start of the pandemic back in March.

"In Medway, new infections have generally been associated with working age adults in workplaces"

On August 6, case rates had fallen to their lowest at 0.4 per 100,000 with just one infection in the previous seven days to that point.

It comes as visiting hours to Medway Maritime Hospital were again stopped this week with bosses preventing the public from attending wards.

Hospitals across the country – particularly in the north west of England – have reported already passing the peak of Covid patients being cared for in the first wave.

It has not been confirmed whether this is the case for hospitals in Kent and Medway.

No other Kent authority has recorded as many cases but Medway has the highest population than anywhere else in the county.

Mr Williams added: “In Medway, new infections have generally been associated with working age adults in workplaces. We are continuing to work with Public Health England and other partner agencies to manage these incidents when they occur.

“We have put in place an extensive range of support for residents, including local access to testing and will be bringing more testing capacity to Medway over the next few weeks.

“I would encourage anyone who has new coronavirus symptoms to get tested straight away. We must all work together to protect our loved ones and reduce the spread of the virus.”

Swale continues to have the highest rates in Kent with 179.9 per 100,000 recorded in the seven days to October 28 and 270 cases in the period, according to latest government data.

But Thanet saw a 813% increase from 14.2 per 100,000 at the start of October to 154.3 cases per 100,000 people to the end of the month.

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