SOUTHAMPTON residents are being reminded to "play their part" as the highest number of daily coronavirus cases were recorded in 24 hours since the start of the pandemic.

Yesterday, 54 positive coronavirus cases were recorded in the city in just 24 hours according to data from Public Health England.

This is the highest number of daily cases recorded in Southampton since the start of the pandemic

The first coronavirus case was recorded in the city on March 4, making the jump the biggest increase in the last seven months.

Until October, the highest number of daily cases recorded in the city was 25 on April 23.

The number have increase since October due to increased testing.

Daily Echo:

The increase comes as the Government aims to "ramp up" coronavirus testing across the UK.

Now, city bosses are urging residents to "play their part" in helping to tackle the virus in the city.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North Caroline Nokes said that the statistics show a "very clear message" adding that people need to "play their part".

Daily Echo:

She told the Daily Echo: "There is a very clear message from these statistics, that we all need to play a part in suppressing the virus.

"That is about hand washing, wearing a mask and keeping space between ourselves and others. It is incumbent upon us all to make sure the NHS is not overwhelmed and to therefore avoid social contacts where possible.

"None of this is easy, but it is important that we all take the steps that we can."

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen added that residents "can't afford to be complacent" when it comes to the virus.

Daily Echo:

He is asking people to consider those that they might infect.

He said: "We must all play our part in defeating this dreadful virus.

"We can’t afford to be complacent. We knew that winter would make it more challenging but if we all follow the guidance (hands, face, space) we can push back on the increase in infections and prevent more deaths.

"If people are not concerned with the infection themselves, they really must consider those they might in turn infect.”