Coronavirus infection rate in Sheffield now lower than majority of London boroughs

In Sheffield, the infection rate in the seven days to December 6 is 128.9 per 100,000 people, with 754 new cases confirmed in that week.

Data for the most recent four days (December 7-10) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

In the week before, the infection rate in Sheffield was 170.6, reflecting 998 new cases confirmed that week.

The figures are based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community.

Sheffield is currently under Tier 3 restrictions, the toughest measures of the government’s tiered system, while the whole of London is under Tier 2.

London recorded 191.8 new cases per 100,000 in the week to December 6, according to Public Health England.

This represents a 20 per cent increase on the week prior, when the whole of England was in the grips of its second lockdown.

The capital’s coronavirus infection rate is now the highest of any region in the UK and has prompted calls for tougher measures to be imposed.

In total, 26 of the 32 London boroughs have higher infection rates than Sheffield – while 20 of the boroughs have infection rates higher than the England average.

Havering is top of the boroughts, with an infection rate of 379.5 as of December 5.

A decision on whether to change London's tier will be made on December 16 and come into effect on Saturday, December 19.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.