Covid infection rates: 13 areas where coronavirus cases are currently highest in the UK

Further lockdowns may not be necessary in the UK as the Covid-19 vaccination rollout continues to reduce the number of infections and hospitalisations.

A member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has said he is “cautiously optimistic” that restrictions may not have to be put back in place heading into winter to bring cases under control.

It is feared that the recent lifting of all remaining lockdown measures in England could fuel another wave of coronavirus cases, with infections expected to rise again in September when school and university terms begin, and more workers are set to return to offices.

However, Professor John Edmunds said that while the need to be “very cautious” still remains to prevent another peak, the coronavirus vaccines have “dramatically changed the relationship between cases and hospitalisation”.

Despite the successful vaccination rollout, coronavirus cases are still high across much of the UK, with these 13 areas recording the highest rates right now. Figures are based on the latest rates per 100,000 population in the week to 3 August. Images are for illustrative purposes.