(Composite: Kim Mogg / JPIMedia)(Composite: Kim Mogg / JPIMedia)
(Composite: Kim Mogg / JPIMedia)

Covid cases UK: areas with highest rates as infections in England hit worst level since summer

Covid-19 rates in England have reached the highest level since summer

Covid-19 cases are increasing across much of the UK, with more than 70% of the country recording a week-on-week rise in rates.

Of the 377 local areas in the UK, 276 saw a rise in infections while just 101 (27%) recorded a fall, according to the latest government data.

In England, the rate of new coronavirus cases has soared to its highest level since summer, reaching a rate of 356.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Rates have not been this high since 24 July, when the seven-day rate stood at 375.1.

The figures come amid warnings the NHS is not fully prepared for the challenges of winter, which will see both Covid-19 and seasonal flu circulating at the same time.

A report from the Academy of Medical Sciences found that hospital admissions and deaths from flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could be more than double that of a normal year, leading to as many as 60,000 flu deaths.

UK Health Security Agency chief executive Dr Jenny Harries has said that this year’s flu could be a “multi-strain” and warned that natural immunity will be lower due to months of lockdown and social distancing last year.

The government has now launched its biggest flu vaccination programme in NHS history, alongside a Covid-19 booster rollout, in a bid to protect millions of vulnerable people during the winter.

Those who are eligible are being urged to come forward for their jabs when invited in the hope it will keep infection levels down and avoid the need for another winter lockdown this year.

But where are infection rates highest at the moment? Listed are the 19 UK areas with the highest Covid-19 case rates right now per 100,000 people, based on the latest data up to 7 October. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

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