The rise in cases has seen the UK government issue new guidance for eight local authority areas where cases are concentrated, with people urged to minimise travel in and out of hotspots and avoid meeting up indoors. Covid-19 cases overall increased in England by 6.1 per cent per 100,000 people in the week to 20 May, with some council areas seeing a significant jump in infections over the latest seven-day period. Listed are the 15 council areas which saw the biggest increase in Covid-19 case rates in the week to 20 May.
1. Tonbridge and Malling
Covid-19 cases in Tonbridge and Malling increased from 2.3 per 100,000 in the week 13 May to 15.1 cases per 100,000 people in the week to 20 May. This is a 556.5 percentage change. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
2. Sevenoaks
Covid-19 cases in Sevenoaks increased from 2.5 per 100,000 in the week 13 May to 13.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week to 20 May. This is a 432.0 percentage change. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
3. Rossendale
Covid-19 cases in Rossendale increased from 21 per 100,000 in the week 13 May to 76.9 cases per 100,000 people in the week to 20 May. This is a 266.2 percentage change. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
4. North Devon
Covid-19 cases in North Devon increased from 5.1 per 100,000 in the week 13 May to 16.5 cases per 100,000 people in the week to 20 May. This is a 223.5 percentage change. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS