Coronavirus rates in South West London have fallen in the last week, but infections across Teddington remain steady.

For the week October 26 to November 1, Kingston had a rate of 144.22 new cases per 100,000 people, data published by Public Health England shows.

This is a big drop from last week's figure of 196.61 cases per 100,000 people.

Richmond shows a case rate of 134.84 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 162.61 the week before.

The figures are an early sign that Tier 2 restrictions, imposed before the current lockdown, were beginning to slow the spread of the virus.

Teddington

A look at the data on a more micro level shows that infections are up in one Teddington ward but down in another.

Teddington North recorded 13 new cases in the seven days to October 31, up from 9 the previous week.

Hampton Wick and Teddington East also registered 13 new cases of Covid-19, but this is down from 17 the week before (see photo).

Teddington Central remains steady at 10 new cases.

Council leader's message

Richmond Council leader Gareth Roberts gave his weekly video address to the borough today and you can watch it at the top of this story.

He said: "We know that when the capital moved into the high tier just two weeks ago, that this had a beneficial effect on slowing the rate of infection across the capital, and it is very much hoped that this new lockdown will have a similar effect.

"Therefore it is absolutely vital that if we are to return to any sense of normalcy that we follow all of the lockdown rules."

He assured residents that the council is reopening its Community Hub for the second lockdown, which can be contacted by dialling 020 8871 6555 or visiting the council's new webpage.

Medical chief

Commenting on the new national lockdown, which came into effect yesterday (Thursday, November 5), London regional director for Public Health England Professor Kevin Fenton cautioned that "high infection rates lead to increasing hospital admissions".

He said: "The next four weeks of national restrictions provides an opportunity to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in London at the start of the crucial winter period.

"Londoners have a history of pulling together in times of need and it's important that we do the same again to make these weeks really count. We have all made sacrifices recently but we need to keep going to reverse the trends and projections we have been seeing.

"To keep us all safe this winter, the best advice is to stay at home where you can, wear a mask in public spaces, maintain your social distance and regularly wash hands.

"Remember to get a test and self-isolate if you have any symptoms suggestive of coronavirus."