The key Covid statistic in Sheffield which is the lowest it's been since September

Sheffield’s latest weekly infection rate of 124.8 new cases per 100,000 people during the seven days to March 28 is the 12th highest in England.

It is now slightly down on the previous week after a recent rise which was put down largely to the increased testing taking place as pupils returned to school.

But the positivity rate – the percentage of tests coming back positive – is now the lowest it’s been since September.

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It stands at around five per cent, having been above 15 per cent in October.

That’s according to the latest update from the experts at Sheffield Council, issued today, Friday, April 2.

Regarding the increase in cases since schools reopened, the council says: “This is most likely because we have been looking for cases, finding them early to stop further spread. There are signs the rate is stabilising amongst children and working age adults.”

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The council says that with around 220,000 people now having been vaccinated in Sheffield, the impact is being seen in the falling number of Covid patients in the city’s hospitals and the lower rate among over-65s, who are most likely to have had the jab.

But it says Covid cases remain high and people should continue to act with caution and follow the rules as one in 10 people contracting the virus will develop long-term health issues.