THE North-East still has the highest coronavirus infection rate in the UK, two weeks after figures were first revealed.

Latest data from Public Health England, which is correct as of 5pm on May 13, confirmed there were 9,258 confirmed coronavirus cases in the region.

Although the number of confirmed cases are lower than in other parts of the UK, the rate of infection here remains higher than anywhere else.

The Northern Echo has analysed the latest data, which shows the region now has 343 cases per 100,000 people - 30 more than anywhere else.

When we last reported this information, the North-East had 271 cases per 100,000 people, overtaking London in April.

But by once again comparing data from Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we were able to see how the region ranked.

It comes as some lockdown restrictions were eased for the first time since the outbreak began, with people allowed to meet up with others outside as long as they remained 2m apart.

Garden centres, golf clubs and parks were among the amenities that were the first to open on Wednesday.

Where the North-East's infection rate ranks among the UK - as of May 13:

- North-East - 9,258 cases - 343.3 per 100,000 people

- North-West - 22,853 cases - 313.4 per 100,000 people

- London- 26,024 - 292.1 per 100,000 people

- West Midlands - 15,273 cases - 258.8 per 100,000 people

- Yorkshire and The Humber - 12,650 cases - 230.9 per 100,000 people

- South East - 19,606 cases - 214.7 per 100,000 people

- East of England - 12,564 cases - 202.6 per 100,000 people

- East Midlands 7,917 cases - 164.8 per 100,000 people

- South West 7,155 cases - 127.8 per 100,000 people