While coronavirus rates are coming down across Merseyside, infection levels across our region remain very high.
In order for lockdown to end as outlined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week, numbers will need to continue to fall.
The vaccination rollout and hospitalisation figures will also play a key role in deciding whether restrictions can be eased.
However, case rates remain important – and some neighbourhoods in our region have rates more than triple the national average.
Rates need to reduce in those areas in particular, as even small areas with very high case rates are eventually likely to impact on the areas around them.
According to NHS England, the average infection rate across England as of February 18, the latest data available, is 119 cases per 100,000 people – and while many areas of our region sit below that level, there are a worrying number above it.
To see coronavirus levels in your area, enter your postcode below.
Of particular concern are 12 areas where case rates are at least 300 cases per 100,000 people .
In one area, Broad Oak in St Helens, the rate of 684.4 cases per 100,000 people is more than five times the national rate.
Other areas of concern include St Helens areas like Town Centre, Fingerpost, Derbyshire Hill and Haydock.
Meanwhile, Orrell Park, Dingle and Speke West in Liverpool and parts of Kirkby and Huyton in Knowsley are also on the list.
Here are the places where coronavirus rates sit at more than 300 cases per 100,000 people as of February 18.
- Broad Oak, St Helens- 684.4
- Orrell Park, Liverpool – 438.3
- Town Centre East and Fingerpost, St Helens – 438
- Derbyshire Hill, St Helens -437
- Haydock East, St Helens – 375.7
- Kirkby South East, Knowsley – 347.1
- Garswood, St Helens – 341.7
- Huyton Farm, Knowsley – 338.7
- Town Centre West, St Helens – 338.2
- Fazakerley South, Liverpool – 310.8
- Dingle, Liverpool – 301
- Speke West and Airport, Liverpool – 300
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