Coronavirus cases are now falling in every local area of England as the Omicron wave subsides, figures show.
Every council area across England saw fewer people testing positive last week, when compared with the week before.
England’s Plan B measures are to end next Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced, telling the Commons that scientists believe the Omicron wave has peaked nationally.
It means people will no longer have to wear face coverings in shops or be required to show Covid passports to get into nightclubs and large events from next Thursday, though venues can choose to impose restrictions if they wish.
But coronavirus rates remain high across parts of England, particularly in the north, the latest figures show.
The North East is still the worst affected re, with a rate of 1,586.4 cases per 100,000 residents in the week to January 13.
This is a 39% fall from the rate seen the week before.
Yorkshire and the Humber had the second worst rate, at 1,205.2 cases per 100,000.
In England, recorded coronavirus cases include positive PCR tests as well as positive lateral flow results reported to the authorities.
Here are the 15 areas of England with the highest coronavirus case rates, according to the latest figures.
1. Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough has England’s highest Covid-19 rate, with 1,809.8 cases per 100,000 people recorded in the week to January 13. -the latest available figures. | Shutterstock
2. Sunderland
Sunderland has England’s second-highest Covid-19 case rate, with 1,795.6 cases per 100,000 residents in the week to January 13. | Shutterstock
3. South Tyneside
South Tyneside is third, with 1794.4 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the week to January 13. | Shutterstock
4. North Tyneside
Again in the North East, North Tyneside recorded 1,676.2 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the week to January 13. | Shutterstock