Swindon is one of around 50 areas where the coronavirus case rate fell in recent weeks, according to government figures.

The slides, presented by chief medical adviser for England Prof Chris Whitty this morning, showed the rate of new covid cases had fallen between 1 and 10 in the two weeks up to September 9.

It was one of around 50 areas were the case rate had fallen, according to maps on the slides.

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Maps shown by Prof Whitty at this morning's briefing Source: GOV.UK

It came as the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned that the UK could be facing 50,000 new Covid-19 cases a day by mid-October, leading to 200 deaths a day a month later if the current rate of infection is not halted.

Sir Patrick said the “vast majority of the population remain susceptible” to catching coronavirus and the current situation required swift action to bring the case numbers down.

In a televised press conference together with chief medical officer Prof Whitty, Sir Patrick said there was “no doubt” the UK was in a situation where the numbers were increasing among all age groups.

Prof Whitty hinted at curbs to social lives being needed to prevent coronavirus spiralling out of control, saying there was a need to “break unnecessary links” between households and a need to “change course”.

He said there were four things to do – washing hands and using masks, quarantine measures, and investing in vaccines and drugs.