A coronavirus hotspot in Kent has recorded no Covid-19 cases for the first time since lockdown began.

Figures show that Ashford , which holds the highest infection rate in the county, had no new cases in the week up to August 23.

The last time the district recorded any cases was on August 17, where two new cases were confirmed.

And while in May residents were regularly seeing new cases in excess of 20 per day, the numbers have not reached double figures since July 20.

In fact, the area's total cases are at 1,368. This is only 100 more than at the beginning of July.

The news comes just 10 days since the district recorded no deaths connected to the virus for the first time since lockdown .

It will come as welcome news to residents, after fears of a 'catastrophic' local lockdown.

However, the district's hospital, the William Harvey, has been at the centre of controversy after the CQC issued an action notice for its trust yesterday .

The East Kent Hospitals Trust was issued with the Section 31 notice after it was revealed that the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 after visiting the hospital was twice as high than at other trusts.

Professor Ted Baker, the CQC's chief inspector of hospitals, said: "As a result of serious concerns we have taken immediate enforcement action at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

"CQC inspectors visited the trust on August 12 after concerns were raised about the standards of care and the risk to patients."

A spokesperson for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Keeping our patients and staff safe is always our top priority.

“We have reviewed and are strengthening our procedures and training, overseen by an experienced director of infection prevention and control. We are asking our staff to always follow recommended guidance, are making further physical changes to our buildings to improve infection control and support social distancing, and have reported on this progress to the Care Quality Commission, while being supported by NHS England and NHS Improvement.”

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford