THE North-East is still the UKs top coronavirus hotspot as the infection rate remains significantly higher here than anywhere else.

Figures from Public Health England, which are correct as of 5pm on June 1, show the region still has the highest number of cases per resident.

To date, there have been 10,240 confirmed Covid-19 cases recorded in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Darlington and Teesside.

And although the number of confirmed cases are somewhat lower than in other parts of the UK, the actual rate of infection remains higher.

The Northern Echo has been routinely monitoring how the region has ranked among the UK and has found the infection rate in the North-East has remained the UKs highest for the past five weeks.

Comparing latest data from Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we are able to see where the region ranks.

London, which has a population of 8,908,081, has seen a total of 26,989 confirmed cases - which works out at 303 cases per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile the North-East, which has a population of 2,657,909, has seen a total of 10,240 confirmed cases - which works out at 385 cases per 100,000.

It comes as the government last week warned 'local lockdowns' could be enforced if there were signs of a sharp rise in the number of cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock last night said a national blanket lockdown could be reimposed on the UK if 'necessary.'

Speaking during the Downing Street daily briefing, Mr Hancock warned the "disease is not done" yet as he urged people to continue social distancing.

He said: “We are attempting to move the system from these national, blanket measures to a more targeted approach – this is why test and trace is such an important part of that.

“But we have always said that we are prepared to reintroduce measures – whether that is nationally or in response to a localised outbreak – if that is necessary.”

Figures published on Tuesday confirmed a further 13 people had died in hospitals across our region in the past 48 hours - as the North-East and North Yorkshire's hospital death toll rose to 1,640. 

Here's where the North-East's infection rate ranks among the UK - as of June 1:

1. North-East - 10,240 cases - 385 cases per 100,000 people

2. North-West - 25,723 cases - 352 cases per 100,000 people

3. London - 25,723 cases - 303 cases per 100,000 people

4. West Midlands - 16,193 cases - 274 cases per 100,000 people 

5. Yorkshire and The Humber - 14,320 cases - 261 cases per 100,000 people

6. South-East - 21,631 cases - 236 cases per 100,000 people 

7. East of England - 14,218 cases - 229 cases per 100,000 people

8. East Midlands - 9,187 cases - 191 cases per 100,000 people

9. South-West - 7,667 cases - 136 cases per 100,000 people