15 areas of England with the highest Covid rates right now
The UK government is due to make its final assessment on 14 June, a week before all restrictions on social contact are due to end, but if cases continue to increase, it is likely the roadmap could be delayed. A total of 80 per cent of local areas in England have seen a rise in coronavirus rate over the last week, while only 19 per cent have seen a fall and five areas remain unchanged, Public Health England data shows. Listed are the 15 areas of England which have the highest rate of Covid-19 cases right now. Figures are based on the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the seven days to 4 June, compared with figures for the previous week up to 28 May. Images are for illustrative purposes.
1. Blackburn with Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen had a rate of 556.5 per 100,000 (833 new cases) in the week to 4 June. This is up from 436.9 per 100,000 (654 cases) in the week to 28 May. Photo: Christopher Furlong
2. Bolton
Bolton had a rate of 320.3 per 100,000 (921 new cases) in the week to 4 June. This is up from 381.2 per 100,000 (1,096 cases) in the week to 28 May. Photo: OLI SCARFF
3. Rossendale
Rossendale had a rate of 310.6 per 100,000 (222 new cases) in the week to 4 June. This is up from 316.2 per 100,000 (226 cases) in the week to 28 May. Photo: OLI SCARFF
4. Burnley
Burnley had a rate of 282.3 per 100,000 (251 new cases) in the week to 4 June. This is up from 120.3 per 100,000 (107 cases) in the week to 28 May. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS