COVID-19: The Wirral neighbourhoods where infections rose fastest as UK records highest daily rate

The UK has recorded the highest number of new coronavirus infections since the beginning of the pandemic, the latest daily figures show.

Figures released on Friday, 24 December, revealed the nation had 122,186 new cases of COVID-19 and a further 137 deaths.

The previous day, there were 119,789 cases and 147 fatalities within 28 days of a positive test recorded.

In Wirral, director of public health Julie Webster urged people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the NHS.

“Getting all three doses will give you the best protection from becoming seriously unwell if you catch COVID-19,” she said.

“The sooner you start your course of vaccinations, the sooner you and your family are protected.”

COVID-19 infection rates

Across the UK, there were 521,602 positive test results in the week to December 16, up 51% from the week before.

Lambeth recorded the UK’s highest case rate, with 2477.2 cases per 100,000 people, while Scarborough recorded the lowest case rate, with 258.4 cases per 100,000 people recorded.

At a regional level, London has the highest infection rates in the UK, with 1455.8 cases per 100,000 people, followed by the East of England, with 893.5 cases per 100,000.

The North East has the lowest rate, with 435.3 cases per 100,000.

At neighbourhood level, COVID-19 case rates have been published for the week to December 16.

Here are the five neighbourhoods in Wirral with the biggest rise in case rates according to data for the past week.

1. Gayton & Lower Heswall

Gayton & Lower Heswall had 758.8 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 131.1% from the week before.

2. Birkenhead Central

Birkenhead Central had 677.8 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 107.4% from the week before.

3. Egerton Park

Egerton Park had 824.4 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 106.3% from the week before.

4. Bebington New Ferry

Bebington New Ferry had 875.7 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 89.5% from the week before.

5. Noctorum South

Noctorum South had 704.7 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the latest weekly figures, a rise of 87.1% from the week before.