The Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has warned there are “high levels of Covid and they are increasing”, adding that the UK is quite close to the previous “winter wave” of infections. In a Downing Street briefing Sir Partrick around 50,000 people are testing positive for Covid each day - just 10,000 less than during the winter. With all remaining legal lockdown restrictions in England now lifted, it is expected that hospitalisations could reach more than 1,000 per day, although rates should be lower than they have been previously due to the protection offered by vaccinations. Covid infections have increased in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while only Scotland has seen a decrease in cases, with 28 out of 32 council areas recording a drop in rates. Listed are the 15 areas of the UK which currently have the highest Covid case rates, based on the seven day up to 14 July. Images are for illustrative purposes.
1. Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland’s Covid-19 case rate is 1,267.2 and the area had 1,738 new cases. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
2. South Tyneside
South Tyneside’s Covid-19 case rate is 1,237.3 and the area had 1,868 new cases. Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
3. Middlesborough
Middlesborough’s Covid-19 case rate is 1,178.2 and the area had 1,661 new cases. Photo: Christopher Furlong
4. Hartlepool
Hartlepool’s Covid-19 case rate is 1,061.3 and the area had 994 new cases. Photo: TOLGA AKMEN