Covid-19: Sandwell neighbourhoods where Covid rates are rising the fastest

Coronavirus infection rates continue to rise across the country, official figures show.

The UK recorded its highest number of daily infections since the pandemic began on Wednesday, 15 December, with 79,000 recorded.

And with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning of an imminent “tidal wave” of Omicron cases, areas which are hotspots for the variant are already seeing some of the country’s highest overall infection rates.

Following the spread of the variant, the PM has set a new target to give boosters to all adults who want one by the end of the month.

Across the UK, there were 344,857 positive test results in the week to December 9, up 7% from the week before.

South Northamptonshire recorded the UK’s highest case rate, with 895 cases per 100,000 people.

West Northamptonshire, the council which covers the South Northamptonshire area, was revealed on Friday as having England’s highest number of confirmed and suspected Omicron cases.

At a regional level, the South East has the highest infection rates in the UK, with 650 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Northern Ireland, with 643 cases per 100,000.

Yorkshire and Humber has the lowest rate, with 358 cases per 100,000.

In Sandwell, the infection rate was 378.1 cases per 100,00 or the week to December 9.

At neighbourhood level, Covid-19 case rates have also been published for the week to December 9.

Here are the neighbourhoods in Sandwell which have seen the biggest rise in case rates in the past week.

1. North Tividale

North Tividale has seen case rates of positive Covid cases rise by 141.2% from 166.4 cases per 100,000 people to 401.4

2. Hamstead West

Hamstead West has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 77.7%, from 159.9 cases per 100,000 people to 284.2.

3. West Bromwich East & Kenrick Park

West Bromwich East & Kenrick Park has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 75.0%, from 135.4 cases per 100,000 people to 237.0.

4. Whiteheath

Whiteheath has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 70.0%, from 288.9 cases per 100,000 people to 491.1.

5. Stone Cross & Hateley Heath

Stone Cross & Hateley Heath has seen rates of Covid cases rise by 53.4%, from 260.1 cases per 100,000 people to 398.9.

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