COVID-19: The five Wirral areas where infections rose fastest in the past week as Omicron sweeps through UK

Coronavirus infection rates have risen steeply across the UK in the past week and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced England will move to Plan B measures.

The new rules include the introduction of a COVID-19 pass for entry into large venues, a return of working from home guidance and face mask measures will be extended.

The move comes in a bid to tackle the Omicron strain - the first Liverpool case was confirmed on Tuesday, 30 November.

COVID-19 infection rates

Official figures show overall coronavirus infection rates have risen steeply across the UK in the past week.

There were 327,467 positive test results in the week to 3 December, up 11% from the week before.

At a regional level, Northern Ireland has the highest infection rates in the UK, with 670 cases per 100,000 people, followed by South East England, with 659 cases per 100,000.

Scotland has the lowest rate, with 358 cases per 100,000.

At neighbourhood level, COVID-19 case rates have been published for the week to 2 December.

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

1. Caldy & Newton

Caldy & Newton had 755.6 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 103.8% from the week before.

2. Noctorum South

Noctorum South had 680.4 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 86.7% from the week before.

3. Eastham

Eastham had 539.6 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 66.7% from the week before.

4. Hoylake

Hoylake had 381.7 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 66.7% from the week before.

5. Claughton South & Oxton North

Claughton South & Oxton North had 377 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 66.7% from the week before.