Hadleigh residents are being given special instruction to try and halt the spread of the coronavirus after figures revealed the town is the worst hotspot in Suffolk.

The latest testing information shows a large rise in positive coronavirus cases in Hadleigh with the equivalent of 475 cases for every 100,000 people, recorded up to today. For England, the figure is 252 per 100,000 people. In Hadleigh, there have been 53 new cases in the last seven days.

Hadleigh has become the first area in south Suffolk to be given a specific hyper-local alert, with councils and local health professionals are working together to control this local outbreak, and Babergh has issued specific instructions for residents to follow.

Nub News reported earlier in the week that many of the cases are linked to care and nursing homes in Hadleigh, so we are working with them to protect residents, staff and their families.

A small number of cases have been identified at Hadleigh High School, and staff and students are following the necessary guidance issued by Public Health England to stop the virus spreading.

However, data also shows that the disease is being shared more generally in the community and between households.

This is a serious risk and residents are being told they have a vital role to play to protect themselves, friends, family and neighbours. You must act now to reduce the spread of the coronavirus if we are to avoid the possibility of further restrictions becoming necessary after the national restrictions.

A spokesperson for Hadleigh town council said: "Sadly Hadleigh must now be seen as a Covid hotspot following the news that a cluster of cases has been discovered at a care home here. This must be a very difficult time for the staff and residents involved and the town council sends them all our very best wishes as they deal with this.

"It also brings home the importance of following the government's guidance on wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance from other people and regularly washing your hands.

"Stay safe, Hadleigh."

The Hadleigh community has pulled together before and has been good at following the guidance to keep infection rates down, but Babergh council today issued a list of things residents must do the following to address this increase now.

Stay at home as much as possible, avoiding unnecessary journeys and work from home if you can.

For work, if you cannot work from home

For medical reasons

To provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer

You should minimise time spent outside your home and reduce the number of people you come into contact with. The virus does not move, people move it. The more people you interact with, the higher the chance of spreading coronavirus between households. By staying at home as much as possible we can reduce the number of people we pass the virus to.

Remember – 'Hands. Face. Space.'

Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Please do not assume that you are safe if you, or people in your household, are not exhibiting any clear symptoms.

Do not allow others into your home

Do not send children to school

Financial support is available to help you during a period of self-isolation. This can include a payment of £500 to support you and other financial support. Find more information about Self Isolations Support Payments on our website

Whether or not you meet the criteria set by Government, there is help available for those facing financial difficulty or needing support. The Suffolk Support and Advice Service helps people across the county access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or employment. You can contact the service on 0800 068 3131 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or visit Suffolk Support and Advice Service.

If we keep following the guidance, we will beat COVID-19. Stick With It Suffolk.