An Okehampton councillor has urged West Devon residents to be on their guard after the borough’s Covid-19 infection rate soared above the national average.

The national average of infections, according to latest statistics, is 466 people per 100,000 of the population, with West Devon’s currently running at 604.

Only mid Devon is higher than the borough with 621 per 100,000 and Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon Borough Council’s lead for health and well-being, said ‘My advice to my family is to do everything we have been doing during covid like wearing masks in crowded areas, keeping a social distance and washing their hands.

‘I would recommend that if anybody is offered a covid booster jab that they get it done. You may or not be worried about it at all, but it’s about being responsible about not passing the virus on to other people.

‘What is being selfish is the danger that you may pass it on to someone else.’

Cllr Leech’s appeal came as Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon said: ‘Case rates in Devon are rising, and are now slightly higher than the national average. The highest number of cases are among the 10 to 15 year old age group, but we’re seeing a rise too in their parents and carers ages, 35 to 54 year olds.

‘I am asking people to act sensibly now, to follow the public health advice and take up your vaccinations when it’s offered to you, to keep you and your family safe, and to help the NHS this winter.’

Covid-19 rates in Devon are continuing to rise and are now 466 per 100,000 of the population, which is a little higher than the national average (455/100,000).

Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned new Covid-19 infections could reach 100,000 cases per day and urged people to have their vaccination as soon as possible.

He added if people don’t continue with precautions they are more likely to face restrictions.