Scale of coronavirus outbreak in Sheffield ‘showing early signs of slowing’ after rapid increase

London has the highest number of cases, with more than 106 confirmed cases per 100,000 population, followed by Sheffield at 105.

According to recent data from Centre for Cities, on April 3 Sheffield's confirmed cases per 100,000 people briefly topped those on London, but by yesterday the city's cases had dipped slightly.

Two days ago, Sheffield had 103 confirmed cases per 100,000 people, compared to 101 in London, but yesterday - while still rising - the number of confirmed cases in Sheffield was 105, compared to 106 in London.

Entering the weekend, the growth rates in London and Sheffield show ‘early signs’ of slowing.

It comes after the country was thrown into lockdown and the Government imposed strict guidelines in a bid to minimise the spread of the virus.

In total, Sheffield has 730 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 34 people who tested positive for the disease have died in the city.

Across the entirety of the UK, 41,903 confirmed cases have been recorded along with 4,313 deaths.

A five-year-old child with underlying health conditions was among those with coronavirus whose deaths were reported in the past day, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said.

Mr Gove said seven healthcare professionals have now also died.