Swindon's health service remains under “considerable pressure” despite a drop in Covid-19 cases. 

Borough council leader David Renard has warned the public must follow the new Tier 2 guidance in order to relieve pressure on the Great Western Hospital.

More than 40 new Covid cases were confirmed in Swindon over the past 24 hours, with two more deaths recorded at Swindon's hospital.

The town was placed in Tier 2 this morning after cases in Wiltshire continued to rise along with hospitalisations.

Coun Renard said: “I know many people in Swindon will be disappointed the government has moved us into the ‘High Alert’ Tier 2 level, especially as our case rate has fallen quite markedly over the past week, but we are still seeing considerable pressure on our local health services.

“It is crucial we continue to keep our guard up against Covid-19 in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

"We do have slightly more freedom under these new restrictions than we had during lockdown, but it is still up to all of us to ensure we keep our communities safe and that we help free up beds at the Great Western Hospital, while ensuring we maintain health capacity to continue the crucial medical care and treatment we all depend on.

“Tomorrow, we will be launching our joint campaign with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to encourage Swindon residents to follow public health guidance, to reduce Swindon’s COVID-19 case rate and protect the local hospital.

"We all still have a huge part to play in containing the spread of the virus.”