SOUTHAMPTON residents have been asked to "be patient and continue to follow the rules" as Delta Covid variant cases rise in the city.

Dr Debbie Chase, the director of public health in the city, is asking residents to continue to follow the guidance and get vaccinated as the final stage of easing of lockdown restrictions has been delayed.

Figures from Public Health England show that up to June 9, there were 34 positive cases in the Southampton area.

According to PHE, there have been 42,323 cases of the Delta variant confirmed in the UK, up by 29,892 from the previous week. 

Scientists say that 96 per cent of all new cases are attributed to the Delta variant.

The strain is believed to 60 per cent more transmissible than the previously dominant Alpha or Kent variants.

Dr Chases said the at this stage complete easing of measures "would risk cases and hospitalisations rising further".

Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to speed up the vaccination programme over the coming weeks.

Dr Chase said: "Southampton has large proportions of younger people living in the city and not all adults have been fully vaccinated with two doses yet.

"I am however heartened that the vaccination programme has now opened to those aged 23 years or over. 

"It is really important for everyone to have the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others. It’s the best protection we have against this virus.

"In addition, we need to continue with regular symptom free testing (twice a week) and isolating if we have symptoms or are a close contact of someone with symptoms."

Dr Chase added: "Nationally there has been a rapid increase in the COVID-19 Delta variant, and as we’ve seen in other areas, this has become the predominant variant in the south east.

"Stick with it Southampton. Patience will pay off in the long run.”

Last week Dr Simon Bryant, the director of public health at Hampshire County Council, urged people to get vaccinated as he said the Delta variant was becoming the most dominant across Hampshire.