10 areas of England where Covid cases are highest among at-risk people
Confirmed cases of the variant have doubled in a week to reach almost 7,000, although hospital admissions have remained broadly flat. Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that three quarters of new coronavirus cases were the Indian variant, but stressed the vaccines were having an effect, preventing nearly 40,000 hospital admissions and saving more than 13,000 older people’s lives in England. However, there are still areas across the country where cases are rising, particularly among at-risk people aged 60 and over. Listed are the 10 council areas where Covid-19 case rates are highest among this vulnerable age group in the week to 22 May.
1. Blackburn with Darwen
The Covid-19 case rate in Blackburn with Darwen was 98.6 per 100,000 in the seven days to 22 May. Photo: Christopher Furlong
2. Bolton
The Covid-19 case rate in Bolton was 69.2 per 100,000 in the seven days to 22 May. Photo: OLI SCARFF
3. Bedford
The Covid-19 case rate in Bedford was 34.5 per 100,000 in the seven days to 22 May. Photo: Leon Neal
4. Bury
The Covid-19 case rate in Bury was 28.6 per 100,000 in the seven days to 22 May. Photo: OLI SCARFF