London has the highest coronavirus infection rate in England, PHE data shows as cases fall in Tier Three areas but rise in Tier Two as local lockdown shake-up looms
- London could be upgraded to Tier 3 when system is reviewed on December 16
London was the region with the highest prevalence of Covid-19 cases in the week to December 6, Public Health England data showed today.
The concerning data comes as experts warn that the capital could be moved into the highest level of restrictions next week. The tiered system in England is due to be reviewed on December 16.
Case rates per 100,000 people in London stood at 191.8 on December 6, up from 158.1 in the previous week.
It puts the capital ahead of regions in the highest level of tier three restrictions, such as the West Midlands, where cases fell to 158.4 per 100,000 from 196.8 a week ago.
Covid-19 cases rose in 24 of London’s 32 boroughs in the most recent seven-day period, with Havering recording the highest incidence at 346 per 100,000 people.
Figures show infections are rising in two other regions of the country — in the South East, where it increased from 142.2 to 160.8 and East, where it rose from 116.2 to 147.2.
All other regions of England recorded a week-on-week fall, with the South West reporting the lowest rate of 77.3 per 100,000, down from 91.2.
The numbers in the capital are moving in the wrong direction, with cases per person up by half in the worst affected corners of the city and chaotic photos from the weekend showing shopping streets packed with people. Red shows areas where the infection rate has risen in a week, while green shows the boroughs that have seen a fall in cases
Commenting on the figures, medical director at Public Health England Dr Yvonne Doyle said: ‘Everyone’s sacrifices over the past few weeks means cases have reduced significantly in many parts of the country.
‘However, the decline has started to stall and overall, infection rates remain high so we must all stay vigilant.
‘About one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it.
‘Whatever your plans over the next few weeks, remember to keep your distance, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and wash your hands regularly.
‘It’s also a good idea to think about reducing your contacts prior to Christmas to reduce the risk to you and your loved ones.’
Case rates remained at a similar level in the week up to December 6 compared to the previous week across all age groups, PHE said.
The highest case rates were seen in those aged 40 to 49, with a rate of 195.8 per 100,000 population.
Case rates per 100,000 have continued to fall across the West Midlands, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber – where swathes are in Tier 3 lockdowns.