COVID-19: The five Liverpool areas where infections rose the fastest in the past week

Coronavirus infection rates are still rising across the UK, official figures show.

There were 294,753 positive test results in the week to November 25, up 2% from the week before.

At a regional level, Northern Ireland has the highest infection rates in the UK, with 622 cases per 100,000 people, followed by South East England, with 578 cases per 100,000.

Scotland has the lowest rate, with 340 cases per 100,000.

At neighbourhood level, COVID-19 case rates have been published for the week to November 25.

Here are the neighbourhoods in Liverpool with the fastest rising case rates:

1. Knotty Ash

Knotty Ash had 434.1 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 181.9% from the week before.

2. Hunts Cross

Hunts Cross had 401.3 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 93.8% from the week before.

3. Norris Green West

Norris Green West had 439.4 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 82.3% from the week before.

4. Anfield West

Anfield West had 349.9 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 75% from the week before.

5. Chinatown, St James & Georgian Quarter

Chinatown, St James & Georgian Quarter had 311.2 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 55% from the week before.

Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Liverpool

The first case of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant was detected in Liverpool on Tuesday.

It came on the same day the Government promised the nationwide booster programme would be put “on steroids” to meet vaccine targets.

Public Health Liverpool is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to identify contacts of the individual, who is self-isolating.

Contact tracing is underway and all contacts will be followed up and requested to isolate and get tested as necessary, regardless of their vaccine status.