THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in Oxfordshire increased by nine in 24 hours, official figures show.

Public Health England data reveals that 3,240 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Friday in Oxfordshire, up from 3,231 at the same time on Thursday.

The rate of infection in Oxfordshire now stands at 471 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the England average of 467.

The rolling seven-day rate of infection for Oxford up to July 27, meanwhile, has fallen slightly, now at 19.4 with 30 new cases within that period.

Data for the most recent three days (July 28-30) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.

ALSO READ: 'Majority' of Oxford coronavirus spike in one area

It places the city as 21st highest in the UK, compared with 15th as of Monday’s average which gave Oxford an infection rate of 20.1.

This had gone up from 6.5 cases per 100,000 people the week before and prompted Oxfordshire's Director of Public Health Ansaf Azhar to urge people to follow social distancing.

It comes as restriction were put in place across parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire due to rising cases in those areas.

The PM also announced yesterday a further easing of restrictions would be postponed for at least two weeks.