Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has dismissed speculation that a 'spike' of coronavirus cases in Melton could put the area into lockdown.

The MP took to social media earlier to reassure worried residents: "This is absolutely not the case: no lock down is planned."

The MP reported Melton has seen an increase in cases locally, with around 16 cases in total in the last week."

"As a result, preventative action is being taken to make sure we identify and isolate the virus, and prevent it from spreading any further in our communities.

"From Thursday there will be a new testing site established in Melton, and anyone with any symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a test."

The MP continued: "Testing is the responsible thing to do to make sure we don't see more cases locally or have to take stronger action.

"By getting tested if you have symptoms, you'll save lives.

"But it's not just about testing. Wear a face mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing."

She added: "Local Authorities are taking sensible and precautionary steps to keep us safe, this is the right course of action."

The rising figures in Melton contrast with Rutland, which has not reported a single case in over a week.

Yesterday, Melton reported three new cases putting it at 192, or 375.7 cases per 100,000.

Peterborough increased 9 to 1,471, equivalent to 731.7 per 100,000.

South Kesteven was up 3 yesterday to 419, or 295.4 per 100,000.

South Holland remained on 712 or 757.6 per 100,000.

Rutland remained on 100 or 251.9 per 100,000.

This compared to an England average of 470.9 cases per 100,000, based on its 263,602 total number of cases.

The 2,532 figure for Lincolnshire equates to a rate of 335.0 per 100,000 cases.

Leicester, which has returned to a form of lockdown has now experienced 5,028 cases, which is equivalent to 1,415.5 cases per 100,000.

Leicestershire has 3,342 confirmed cases, which is equivalent to 478.6 cases per 100,000.

The government's dashboard also reveals the fastest risers, comparing July 31 with July 24 at local district level.

Melton saw 18 cases last week, compared to 13 the week before. With its weekly rate increasing from 25.4 per 100,000 to 35.2.

Peterborough saw 45 cases last week compared to 38 the week before, with its weekly rate increasing from 18.9 to 22.4.

South Kesteven saw its number of new cases fall from 8 in the week ending July 24 to 5 in the week ending July 31. Its rate thus fell from 5.6 per 100,000 to 3.5.

South Holland saw two fresh cases last week, compared to one the week before, with its rate increasing from 1.1 to 2.1.

Rutland saw no new cases last week, compared with three the week before, giving it a rate of 7.6 before falling to zero.