Claims that Wiltshire could be one of the next locations to go into lockdown have been dismissed by the council.

Data published on the government's coronavirus website indicated that cases have risen in several areas including Wiltshire as restrictions have eased.

Media reports today stated that Wiltshire had seen a weekly increase of new Covid-19 cases of 300 per cent.

According to Public Health England figures 550 people had been confirmed as testing positive for coronavirus as of 9am Monday, June 29, up from 549 the same time on Friday.

It means cases have increased by less than 0.5 per cent over the weekend, lower than the rate of increase across the UK.

The council has also produced a Local Outbreak Management Plan, which will build on local expertise and protection processes already in place.

Wiltshire Council said that it will work with the government to support test and trace services in local communities, taking a place-based approach to containing the spread of the infection as much as possible.

A council spokesman said: “A Wiltshire Outbreak Engagement Board will be set up imminently, chaired by the Wiltshire Council leader, and this will ensure that local residents and other stakeholders in the public, private and third sectors all understand and support the need to comply with the rules and principles designed to prevent viral transmission.”

Kate Blackburn, interim director for public health at Wiltshire Council, said: “All the data suggests Wiltshire residents have been disciplined in following the guidance and social distancing measures, and there is currently no reason to believe that will change significantly any time soon.

“However, the Local Outbreak Management Plan will ensure Wiltshire Council and our partners can keep a close eye on any changes.

“We all need to work together to ensure this plan is as effective as it can be, should there be a local outbreak.

“Together with our partners, we have made sure there is a strong framework in place to support an effective outbreak response.

“However, we need communities up and down the county to play their role too and continue with their tremendous efforts so far to keep the infection at bay by following the guidelines closely.”

To view the Local Outbreak Management Plan, please visit http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus