The number of Covid-19 cases in north-west London remains low as the country prepares for the further relaxing of restrictions.

Latest government figures show just nine people in Harrow tested positive for coronavirus yesterday (Tuesday, May 11), while there was one death recorded in the borough within 28 days of a positive test.

Furthermore, the number of cases in the past week was 71, which was seven fewer when compared with the previous seven days.

In neighbouring Brent, the situation is less appealing, with 21 cases recorded yesterday and the weekly rate showing an increase of 19 to bring it to 104 cases.

However, there were no recorded deaths in Brent within 28 days of a positive test yesterday, nor in the last seven days.

In both boroughs, the rate of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents recorded on May 6 is between 25 and 28, which is a far cry from the winter when the numbers were consistently over 100.

The latest statistics come in the run-up to the further easing of restrictions in England – on Monday (May 17) it is expected groups of six will be able to mix inside while indoor hospitality, leisure and culture venues will reopen.

People will be able to hug one another once more and the travel ban from the UK will be lifted, with people able to visit ‘green list’ international destinations relatively freely.

Prime minister Boris Johnson welcomed this latest step but urged people to remain vigilant with the virus still a threat.

“This doesn’t mean that we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. We all know that close contacts such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease,” he said.

“So, I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones.”

Meanwhile, the country continues to press on with its vaccination programme – as of May 10, 29.7 million people in England (67 per cent of the adult population) had received their first dose, while 15.2 million (34 per cent of the adult population) had taken their second.