The number of new cases nationally is on the decline but as lockdown restrictions are eased, tougher rules could be put in place in pockets of the country where the virus continues to spread, as identified by the new ‘test and trace’ system.
Analysis of the latest positive tests recorded in local authorities across England shows which had the most confirmed cases per capita in the two weeks between May 9 and May 23, with data for more recent days likely to be less reliable.
Barnsley had the 12th highest rate of confirmed cases during that period, with just under 50 positive tests taking place per 100,000 population, with Rotherham and Doncaster also in the top 50 out of 313 lower tier councils across England, and Sheffield 125th.
Ashford, in the south east, had the highest new infection rate, of 110.0.
Here are the 13 local authorities in Yorkshire with the most new cases per capita, based on the latest government figures.
. NSST-23-02-30- corona-nmsy-upload.jpg
'Local lockdowns' could take place in parts of England with outbreaks of coronavirus | Getty Images Photo: Getty
. Barnsley
Barnsley has the 12th highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 49.8 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | JPIMedia Photo: Scott Merrylees
. Kingston Upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull has the 32nd highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 40.8 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | Other 3rd Party Photo: Google
. Rotherham
Rotherham has the 35th highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 39.6 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | Johnston Press Resell Photo: Chris Etchells
1. Barnsley
Barnsley has the 12th highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 49.8 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | JPIMedia Photo: Scott Merrylees
2. Kingston Upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull has the 32nd highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 40.8 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | Other 3rd Party Photo: Google
3. Rotherham
Rotherham has the 35th highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 39.6 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | Johnston Press Resell Photo: Chris Etchells
4. East Riding of Yorkshire
East Riding of Yorkshire has the 38th highest rate of new coronavirus cases in England, with 38.1 positive tests per 100,000 population during the fortnight to May 23 | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Bruce Rollinson