NEARLY 1 in 50 children aged 10-14 in Richmond borough tested positive for covid-19 last week, according to a new analysis by the Evening Standard newspaper.

Figures released by the London paper today show that 1 in 60 of the borough's 5 to 9 year olds had the virus as of last week.

The covid-19 rate among adults aged between 40 and 44 is also higher the average in Richmond upon Thames, at more than 800 infections per 100,000 people in this age group.

The paper's analysis of cases in the seven days to November 30 showed the same trend.

This suggests that covid-19 is spreading rapidly in families and could also explain why rates have historically been worst in wealthier boroughs on the outskirts of London where fewer young adults are likely to live.

Richmond upon Thames still has the worst infection rate in London with 669 cases per 100,000 people - more than one and a half times the figure for the city as a whole, which stands at 405.

Richmond's neighbour Kingston upon Thames has the third highest infection rate and nearby Sutton has the second worst. .

The trend was noted by Richmond Council leader Cllr Gareth Roberts who admitted today that the borough was "continuing to top the London league tables for high case numbers."

Covid-19 marshals will be returning to locations across Richmond as part of a bid to get people to stick to the rules now Christmas is approaching.

Marshalls will patrol areas of high footfall such as transport hubs to help reinforce the importance of keeping others safe, and will also visit premises to deliver covid-19 advice.

It comes after a new walk-in Covid-19 PCR test centre opened in Hampton, making it easier to get confirmation of cases and in a bid to ease winter pressure on the NHS.

Last month a borough secondary school school said it had been been hit hard by a coronavirus outbreak with more than one in ten Year 7 pupils off sick with the virus.

Cllr Roberts said: "As we move closer to Christmas, our high streets are getting a lot busier. Which is great news! Particularly for those businesses who have struggled over the past 18 months.

"We want people to shop local, keeping our high streets open and thriving. But to do so we must restrict the spread of Coronavirus.

"Richmond is continuing to top the London league tables for high case numbers. This is having a huge impact on our schools, on people's health, and of course our businesses. Some businesses really do struggle when their staff are forced to isolate or take sick leave.

"We all have a role to play, and that means wearing face coverings, keeping our distance whenever possible, having the vaccine and of course regularly testing and isolating if we test positive.

"The Government has not ruled out further measures. Therefore, let's double down and ensure that there isn't a need for restrictions in the future."