FIVE people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

The latest government update, published this afternoon, brings the total number of cases in Swindon since the pandemic began to 11,308.

In the past seven days, 85 people have tested positive for the virus – giving a case rate of 37.8 per 100,000.

In total, 269 Swindon people have died within 28 days of receiving a positive coronavirus test since the start of the pandemic.

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On Friday, Swindon Borough Council public health director Steve Maddern said people should enjoy the "new freedom” while remaining cautious and following the Covid guidelines in place.

He added: “We appreciate that people have been cooped up for a very long time and to be able to go out and about and to visit family and friends is really important for mental health and physical health. But you’ve got to remember all the Covid guidelines that are still in place.”