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Coronavirus rates in England are now higher in London, but infections have stalled across the country, the latest figures show.
The capital had the highest average infection rate in the country (191.8 per 100,000 people) during the week of November 30 to December 6, according to Public Health England’s weekly surveillance survey.
This is an increase of 158.1 per 100.00 from the previous week, and Sky News understands that MPs in the capital will receive a report on the situation from Health Minister Helen Whateley later on Thursday.
The latest data from Public Health England shows that cases have increased by 24 out of London32 districts.
Havering, east of the capital, had the highest rate in the week ending December 3: 346 per 100,000 residents.
It comes after the mayor of the city, Sadiq Khan, warned the people of the city that risk of moving from Level 2 to Level 3 restrictions amid rising cases.
England’s tier system will be revised on December 16, which the government says could present opportunities for areas to upgrade or downgrade.
But across the country, PHE data shows coronavirus case rates remained “at a similar level” during the week ending December 6 from the previous week.
Case rates have fallen further in the West midlands – there the figure is 158.4 per 100,000, compared to 196.8 the previous week.
In England, COVID-19 infections were highest among people between 40 and 49 years old and hospital admissions were highest in the Northeast.
The number of cases fell in Yorkshire and the Humber, but increased in the east and southeast of England, according to the figures.
Overall, both acute respiratory infections as a result of the virus and hospital admissions decreased.
The age group admitted to the hospital most frequently was 85 years and over.
Commenting on the figures, Public Health England Medical Director Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Everyone’s sacrifice in recent weeks means that cases have dropped significantly in many parts of the country.
“However, the decline has begun to stagnate, and overall infection rates remain high, so we all need to be vigilant.”
According to the latest Test and Trace figures for England, 96,415 people tested positive at least once in the week until December 2.
A total of 91,578 people joined the system, of which 86% were reached and asked to provide contacts. This remains practically unchanged from 86.1% the previous week.
