The variant, first identified in India, is 60 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, first identified in Kent, and has led every region in England to see a spike in cases over the past week, with infections particularly high in the North West. Surge testing and increased vaccination capacity has also been rolled out in badly affected areas, with locals in Manchester and Lancashire now told to minimise travel following a rise in cases. Listed are the 13 areas of the UK which have the highest number of Covid-19 case rates per 100,000 people, and the number of new cases in each area in the seven days up to 5 June. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
5. South Ribble, Lancashire
South Ribble’s Covid-19 case rate is 285.2 and the area had 316 new cases. Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS
6. Hyndburn, Lancashire
Hyndburn’s Covid-19 case rate is 285 and the area had 231new cases. Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
7. Ribble Valley, Lancashire
Ribble Valley’s Covid-19 case rate is 272.6 and the area had 166 new cases. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
8. Salford, Greater Manchester
Salford’s Covid-19 case rate is 241.9 and the area had 626 new cases. Photo: Christopher Furlong