THE County Durham towns which have seen the fewest number of Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began have been revealed.

A total of eleven towns and villages across the county have each seen fewer than 400 infections over the entire pandemic - the past twelve months.

Northern Echo analysis of Public Health England data has found that almost each of the eleven areas had seen the equivalent of just one confirmed case per day.

Most recent figures, published on Thursday, shows the picture in every single neighbourhood between April 2020 and April 2021. 

The data is broken down by individual neighbourhoods, what are officially known as Middle Super Output Area, areas with an average population of 7,200.

Analysis has found that in County Durham, the total number of cases in each neighbourhood so far averages around 558.

The Northern Echo:

Wards in Newton Aycliffe have seen among the lowest infections in County Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Out of the 66 neighbourhoods - apart from the eleven already mentioned - all have seen more than 400 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

The figures show that Durham City has been the hardest-hit by the pandemic in County Durham with 2,556 cases reported so far.

This is followed by Aykley Heads, Neville's Cross and Langley Moor with 942 and Consett with 845.

But the following areas have seen the fewest amount of cases - with one seeing just 104.

1. Upper Teesdale - 104 total cases

2. Lanchester - 302 total cases

3. Newton Aycliffe East - 323 total cases

4. Barnard Castle - 326 total cases

5. Newton Aycliffe West - 331 total cases

6. Stanhope & Weardale - 340 total cases

7. Tudhoe Grange - 353 total cases

8. Gilesgate & Old Durham - 355 total cases

9 Newton Aycliffe South - 369 total cases

10. Sedgefield & Bishop Middleham - 386 total cases

11. Esh Winning & Ushaw Moor - 395 total cases

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo reported that the town of Newton Aycliffe had reported none or little new Covid cases for the first time in six weeks.

Across all four wards, north, south, east and west, the town saw infection rates drop as Covid cases were classed as 'suppressed.' 

At the time, public health officials in the county praised the efforts of the public in keeping the infection rate down - but warned the virus was not yet defeated.

Read more: Cautious optimism as Newton Aycliffe reports no new Covid cases

Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said: “It is very encouraging to see that our seven-day infection rates are continuing to fall in County Durham.

"Residents have gone to remarkable lengths to protect themselves, their loved ones and our most vulnerable, and we are truly grateful for everyone’s hard work throughout the restrictions.

“As restrictions further ease from Monday and we are once again able to visit shops, indoor leisure facilities and outdoor hospitality settings, I would urge everyone to remain cautious and continue following public health guidance. The virus is still with us and we must be vigilant to that.

"It is therefore vital that we follow the rules that are still in place, remembering the importance of hand hygiene, social distancing and the use of face coverings to help keep us safe and look after each other to stop the virus spreading.”