COVID-19: The five Sefton neighbourhoods with fastest rising case rates

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 Sefton with the fastest rising case rates:

1. Birkdale

Birkdale had 408.8 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 116.6% from the week before.

2. Meols Cop

Meols Cop had 695.5 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 92.6% from the week before.

3. Blundellsands

Blundellsands had 474.5 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 69.6% from the week before.

4. Waterloo

Waterloo had 536.9 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 46.5% from the week before.

5. Brighton le Sands & Crosby West

Brighton le Sands & Crosby West had 362.6 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 42.1% 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.