The very latest Covid-19 data shows how and where the virus is growing in Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council has just released its latest Covid-19 report which shows there has been another increase in the city's infection rate.
Data extracted covering testing up to December 18 shows that the total number of confirmed cases for the last 7 days is 712, an increase of 223 cases on the previous week.
The latest weekly rate of Covid-19 in Liverpool is now at 143 cases per 100,000 population.
The latest positivity testing rate - the total number of positive tests from all those carried out - has risen to 5.2%, a significant rise from last week when it stood at 2.2%.
Of the 712 confirmed cases in the last 7 days, 177 (24.9%) were detected using Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) kits.
The wards with the largest number of confirmed cases are:
Riverside (51 cases)
Croxteth (39 cases)
Picton (38 cases)
Old Swan (33 cases)
Cressington (33 cases)
Princes Park (31 cases)
Central (31 cases)
Mossley Hill (31 cases)
West Derby (31 cases)
Tuebrook and Stoneycroft (28 cases)
The majority of new cases (56%) were in those aged under 40 years, whereas 26% oif cases were in those aged 40 to 59.
Liverpool Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Cllr Paul Brant said: "With Christmas almost upon us, it is important to remember the importance of the need to protect our loved ones from the risk of infections. The virus does not take Christmas off.
“Please minimise social contact where possible, and remember that social distancing measures, regular hand washing and face coverings are our first and most effective method of protecting each other.
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“Regular use of the testing sites for people without symptoms is an extra Liverpool specific line of protection and I would urge any visitors to the city to ensure they make regular use of these free facilities.
"A negative test result is some reassurance, but is not a guarantee of negative status, so people should not see it as a free pass not to follow the rules.
He added: “The vaccine rollout programme is well underway in the city and will continue to be ramped up – especially as new vaccines are authorised.
"We all need to remember that just because the rules might allow some contact, if it can be postponed until after loved ones are vaccinated then the risk to all is substantially reduced."
