THOSE living in a North East area where the Covid infection rate is the highest in England have been urged to wear face coverings and remain vigilant.

Residents and workers in North Tyneside have been told they still have a part to play in "containing the spread" after alarming figures were published last night.

Northern Echo analysis of the Government's Covid data this week revealed how 13 out of 24 North East towns and villages had the highest rates in North Tyneside.

Read more: 24 North East villages and towns which have seen highest Covid rates in past week

Meanwhile, fresh analysis of figures nationwide revealed how the area had seen England's highest with an alarming 542.9 cases per 100,000 people in the past week.

The Northern Echo: A picture from last year when surge testing came to North TynesideA picture from last year when surge testing came to North Tyneside

Speaking to The Echo, Wendy Burke, North Tyneside’s Director of Public Health, said that despite high rates, the council had noticed a steady decline over the past fortnight.

But urging everyone to remain vigilant, she said that those visiting, living and working in the area should continue to follow guidance and wear coverings, where necessary.

She said: “While the current rates of infection in North Tyneside are high, the rate has steadily declined over the last two weeks.

Read more: Watch moment Dominic Raab tries to defend Boris Johnson after visit to North East hospital

“Everyone still has a part to play in helping to contain the spread of the virus within our communities.

"We continue to advise those who live, work, and visit in North Tyneside to follow Government guidance and wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, and to maintain excellent hand and respiratory hygiene."

The Northern Echo:

The figures, which show how North Tyneside had the highest rates in England as of the week leading to November 10, are compared to the previous week.

They also show how Redcar & Cleveland and York have the second and third highest rates in England with case rates at 459.1 and 384.8, respectively.

According to the figures from Public Health England, the average Covid case rate per England council area stands at 356.1 cases per 100,000 people.

In the seven days to November 10, North Tyneside saw 1,134 new cases reported, but this was down by 311 from the previous week.

The Northern Echo:

Urging people to continue coming forward for their vaccine, especially those now eligible for their third booster jab, to come forward Ms Burke said: “Twice weekly lateral flow testing is also encouraged and is available free to all who are asymptomatic through a variety of ways.

"Anyone who has symptoms should isolate immediately and arrange for a PCR test as soon as possible.

“We also encourage all those eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine to come forward and get their vaccination, particularly those eligible for the booster and our young people aged 12-15 years-old.”

To view the latest data on the Government dashboard - click here

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