The high rate of infections comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted all remaining legal coronavirus restrictions in England on the so-called ‘freedom day’ on 19 July. The Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has warned that hospitalisations could reach more than 1,000 per day now lockdown rules are no longer in place, although it is expected that figures should be lower than previously due to the protection from vaccinations. Listed are the 10 areas of England which have recorded the biggest rise in Covid-19 case rates from 10 to 17 July. Images are for illustrative purposes.
5. Craven
Covid case rates increased by 182.7 per cent from 252 in the week ending 10 July to 712.3 in the week ending 17 July. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
6. Castle Point
Covid case rates increased by 174.9 per cent from 273.3 in the week ending 10 July to 751.3 in the week ending 17 July. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
7. South Holland
Covid case rates increased by 164.1 per cent from 108.4 in the week ending 10 July to 286.3 in the week ending 17 July. Photo: Ian Forsyth
8. Surrey Heath
Covid case rates increased by 159.1 per cent from 153.4 in the week ending 10 July to 397.5 in the week ending 17 July. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS