Barnsley has the highest Covid-19 rate in UK

Government data shows that in the seven days to March 16, Barnsley had a rate of 195 cases per 100,000 people -far above the national average of 57.

There are currently 483 cases in Barnsley – up 40 percent from the previous week.

Julia Burrows, Barnsley’s director of public health said the rise follows the reopening of schools, and the start of regular asymptomatic testing in schools and for households and carers of children.

“We are closely analysing the data as it comes in, particularly in the light of the increased numbers we have seen in Barnsley over the past week. We know the increase reflects a higher number of younger, low-risk people testing positive as a consequence of increased asymptomatic testing – which we have been doing a lot of in Barnsley.

“We have some of the highest testing rates in the country,” she added.

“The good news is that infection rates in older adults and the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 have continued to fall in Barnsley.

“This shows the positive effects of both lockdown measures and excellent take up from the local vaccination programme.”

More than 91,000 residents have received their first covid vaccine.

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