There have been more than eight million cases of coronavirus in England since the start of the pandemic with the North West becoming the worst-affected region, according to UK Government data.
There are stark geographical disparities across England with some areas having a much higher proportion of people testing positive for the disease than others.
The North West remains the worst-hit region with 1.2 million cases of coronavirus reported between 30 January 2020 and 13 November 2021. This is the equivalent of just under 17% of the region’s population having had the disease at one time or another, based on Office for National Statistics population estimates.
However, the South West has recorded over 675,000 cases, representing 11.9% of its population.
Think tank IPPR North says central government has not empowered the North West to improve the health of its population, while austerity hit public health budgets hard.
Here we reveal the 15 areas in England where the greatest proportion of people have had coronavirus.
The figures are estimates and some people may have tested positive for coronavirus more than once. Images are also for illustrative purposes only.
1. Blackburn with Darwen
21.0% of people in Blackburn with Darwen have had coronavirus. Photo: Shutterstock
2. Knowsley
20.1% of people in Knowsley have had coronavirus. Photo: Shutterstock
3. Burnley
19.7% of people in Burnley have had coronavirus. Photo: Shutterstock
4. Middlesbrough
18.9% of people in Middlesbrough have had coronavirus. Photo: Shutterstock