The rate of infection in Swindon passed 400 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people this weekend – as 45 people were newly diagnosed with the virus.

Figures released by the government yesterday showed that a total of 919 people had tested positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Sunday, August 2.

That was a rise of 45 cases compared to Friday, July 31.

And the rate of infection increased from the equivalent of 394 cases per 100,000 people on Friday to 414.4 cases per 100,000 people on Sunday.

That is still significantly lower than the England average of 469.4 cases per 100,000 people.

After a spike in cases in the past fortnight public health chiefs declared a mini-outbreak at XPO Logistics, which runs the Iceland distribution centre in Penzance Drive.

A mobile testing unit was sent to the site last week and, by Friday, 64 people had tested positive for the virus.

Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health Steve Maddern said XPO staff accounted for the majority of the new coronavirus cases in the town.

“Inevitably the number of cases has gradually increased this week, which can be expected as a result of the extensive onsite staff testing made available onsite this week,” he said.

"We are now seeing the number of new cases starting to reduce as the outbreak is contained. We are assessing the risks on a daily basis based on the latest evidence, taking proportionate action in consultation with all parties involved.”

There has been no change to the number of coronavirus deaths at Great Western Hospital. 125 people who tested positive for the virus have died at the Swindon hospital. No new death has been recorded since early July.