Health chief warns of supermarket shopper coronavirus 'spreaders' in neighbouring Aylesbury towns after 'local lockdown' threat

That's because during any trip to a supermarket there is likely to be at least one person who has been exposed to someone with Covid-19.

Speaking at a virtual press conference to highlight an increase in Covid-19 cases in Dacorum, Hertfordshire's director of public health Prof Jim McManus said people had to treat the virus as something we might come across every day, going about our business.

And, as a result, he said, we should regard ourselves as 'potential spreaders'.

"If we do that we will hammer this," he said.

Mr McManus was speaking at a virtual press conference where he highlighted a rise in Covid-19 cases in Dacorum.

Public health officials are currently recording between four and eight new Covid-19 cases in Dacorum every day - with 11 being recorded on a single day last week.

And since August 10 they say there have been 71 recorded cases of the virus in the borough, with more possible when figures for the Bank Holiday weekend are released.

Although the cases are believed to have stemmed from an outbreak focussed on a small number of pubs and cafes in the Tring and Berkhamsted areas, they are now said to have spread to the general community.

At the press conference, on Wednesday (September 2), Mr McManus urged residents and businesses across Dacorum to take action to avoid "stronger measures" in the area.

He called on residents to wear face masks, to keep a 'social distance' and to wash hands regularly.

And he is urged people to contact NHS 119 if they believed they may have been in touch with people who may have the virus - or had Covid-19 symptoms.

"If everybody does their bit we will not need stronger measures," he said.

Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 - such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of smell or taste - should contact 119 for advice on testing and self-isolation.