The number of new cases in Hertsmere appears to have stabilized after none were reported in today’s daily government update.

Hertsmere has been suffering from a significant outbreak of COVID-19 since the end of August – linked to a number of house parties in the Borehamwood area.

There have been 90 cases since August 25, including 17 on August 30 and ten each on September 1 and 3.

Promisingly, no new cases were reported today – although this figure should be taken with some caution as it can take up to three days for cases to be confirmed and there have been issues with getting tests in Hertsmere.

The next few days will be able to provide a more accurate picture of how the outbreak is developing.

Read more: We checked how easy it was to book a coronavirus test amid national 'shortage'

But with just six in total over the last four days, it is a sign that self-isolation measures in the borough may be working and the outbreak may now be under control.

The latest update means the rate of new cases in Hertsmere in the seven days to September 7 has dropped to 47.9 – which is still very high but lower than 58.1 on September 5.

Hertsmere had the 7th highest weekly rate earlier this week but it has now dropped to 33rd after a surge in cases in the north and midlands.

However the rate remains the highest in southern England by some margin.

A map updated daily now shows there have been a minimum of three cases in this outbreak across four wards in Borehamwood, including nine in Brookmeadow, as well as Radlett, Elstree, Bushey North and Bushey Central, and Oakmere and Furzefield in Potters Bar.

Bushey Heath remains the worst affected area with at least 19 residents there testing positive for COVID-19.

One new case was reported in today’s update for Watford which is lower than the town has seen in recent days.

For a couple of months, cases have been up and down in Watford, and they were on the rise again.

There have been 28 cases in Watford in September, while there were also 18 between August 24 and 26.

Only three cases have been found since September 7 though.

The rate is for the seven days to September 7 is 27.9 which is one of the higher rates Watford has seen.

Between August 31 and September 6, West Watford, Cassiobury, Nascot Wood, Central Watford, and Garston all recorded a minimum of three cases.

Watford Observer:

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There has been an outbreak in Oxhey Hall & Hayling in Three Rivers over the last week or so, which has contributed towards an increased number of cases in the district.

Three new cases were confirmed in today’s update including two found on Tuesday and one on Monday.

There have been a total of 20 cases in Three Rivers in September with a rate in the seven days to September 7 of 19.3.

St Albans is experiencing a rise in cases with nine reported today.

This includes five on Tuesday and two on Monday.

In total, there have been 34 cases in St Albans district, which also includes Harpenden.

August 23 was the last time someone living in St Albans district did not test positive for COVID-19, the latest government data shows.

The rate of cases in St Albans district in the seven days to September 7 is 19.6 because the population is close to 150,000.

Watford Observer:

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Hertfordshire County Council continue to warn young people in particular to avoid large gatherings and house parties because that is what caused an outbreak in Hertsmere.

The council has threatened to fine party organisers or parents who allow parties in their homes up to £10,000 and even fine those who attending.

Responding to the new laws being introduced on Monday which restricts social gatherings to six people, Councillor Tim Hutchings, executive member for public health in Hertfordshire, said: “Firstly we would like to thank all of the Hertfordshire residents who have been following the rules set out by government as the easing of restrictions have happened.

“We, at Hertfordshire County Council, have been working closely with the police, district councils and NHS partners to ensure all services are supported and that the messages set out by government is mirrored locally, so we all know how to play our part in our own communities.

“On 9 September the government announced that the national guidance will be changing to remove the option of 30 people gathering outside of formally organised events such as weddings, from 14 September. We hope everyone will take note of the updated guidance issued by government and play their part in keeping our Hertfordshire community safe.”

Watford Observer:

On Tuesday, the county council said it was no aware of any deaths relating to the oubreak in Hertsmere, but warned it would it can take around two weeks for patients to be hospitalised.

The council did say the virus has spread from teenagers to adult members of their family.

In September, two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in September while being cared for at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

One was a man who lived in North Watford.

He was aged between 60 and 79 and he had an underlying health condition.

The other patient was also aged between 60 and 79 and had an underlying health condition.

As of Tuesday, the council said The county council also said that as of Tuesday afternoon, new acute hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Hertfordshire were in single figures and acute bed occupancy remains around 20.

Government data as of today (Thursday) shows in the eastern region of England, which includes Hertfordshire, there are currently 30 COVID-19 patients in hospital (up five from Tuesday), including four patients who are on a ventilator (up three from Tuesday).

The council also said on Tuesday childrens’ emergency departments in Hertfordshire have reported an increase in children being taken in with fever and other COVID symptoms, while NHS 111 calls have also increased.