THE coronavirus infection rate is significantly higher in some parts of the region, as the North-East continues to have the highest infection rate in the UK.

The infection rate in Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside is among the highest in the region.

Data from Public Health England and The Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows the number of cases per 100,000 by each council area.

Latest figures, which are correct as of 5pm on May 14, confirm Gateshead has the highest infection rate in the region, with 483 cases per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, the area with the lowest coronavirus infection rate in our region is in the Hambleton district where there are 206 cases per 100,000 people.

Where your area's infection rate ranks among the North-East and North Yorkshire - as of May 14:

  • 1. Gateshead - 977 cases - 482.5 cases per 100,000 people
  • 2. Sunderland - 1,337 cases - 481.9 cases per 100,000 people
  • 3. South Tyneside - 688 cases - 457.9 cases per 100,000 people
  • 4. Middlesbrough - 631 cases - 449.0 cases per 100,000 people
  • 5. County Durham - 1,779 cases - 337.6 cases per 100,000 people
  • 6. Newcastle upon Tyne - 1,013 cases - 337.4 cases per 100,000 people
  • 7. Darlington - 345 cases - 323.7 cases per 100,000 people
  • 8. Hartlepool - 281 cases - 301.4 cases per 100,000 people
  • 9. Northumberland 900 cases - 281.0 cases per 100,000 people
  • 10. Redcar and Cleveland - 377 cases - 275.8 cases per 100,000 people
  • 11. North Tyneside - 537 cases - 260.7 cases per 100,000 people
  • 12. Stockton-on-Tees - 487 cases - 246.9 cases per 100,000 people
  • 13. Richmondshire - 125 cases - 234. cases per 100,000 people
  • 14. York - 427 cases - 203.4 cases per 100,000 people
  • 15. Hambleton - 188 cases - 206.3 cases per 100,000 people

This week, the Government eased some of the restrictions that had been brought in on March 23.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said the easing of restrictions reflected how the country was handling the virus.

However, the PM warned he would slam on the 'brakes' if there was evidence to suggest a second spike.