Covid rates UK: where coronavirus cases are lowest as infection rates fall

UK government figures show that 60% of areas across England saw infections fall between the seven days ending 31 August and the seven days ending 14 September, during which schools reopened for the autumn term.

Meanwhile, just a third of local areas saw a rise in infection rates over the same period.

The fall in infections marks a stark contrast to Scotland, which saw rates soar when pupils returned to classrooms in mid-August and the country is still recording the highest rates in the UK.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that around one in 45 people had Covid-19 in Scotland in the week to 11 September. However, while the percentage of people testing positive had increased slightly, the rate of increase had slowed.

The figures come as the UK begins its booster vaccine rollout this week, with a third jab to be offered to the over 50s, frontline health and social care workers, those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions, adult carers and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

While more than 80% of the UK’s adult population have now been fully vaccinated, it is hoped that the booster programme will protect the most vulnerable from contracting Covid-19 during the colder months, when seasonal viruses are more rife.

Coronavirus vaccines are also being rolled out to millions of children aged between 12 and 15 this week in a bid to keep infection rates under control heading into winter.

But where are Covid-19 cases lowest in the UK right now? Listed are the 15 areas with the lowest coronavirus case rates, based on the latest data available up to 15 September. Images are for illustrative purposes only.