The Liverpool City Region is recording more than 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 per day, new figures have revealed.
In the week up to October 6, the region saw 7,075 new cases of Covid-19, according to data released by the government on Friday afternoon.
The data shows cases in the region have doubled in less than two weeks and puts the region’s infection rate at more than 450 cases per 100,000 residents.
Knowsley is the worst-hit borough with an infection rate of more than 650, while Liverpool saw 2,988 cases during the week - more than 400 per day.
Sefton also saw cases rise rapidly, with more than 1,000 new infections reported during the week compared to 748 the week before.
Halton, St Helens and Wirral saw infections rise during the week, but more slowly than other boroughs in the region.
Both Halton and St Helens recorded infection rates of 367 cases per 100,000 residents during the week, while Wirral’s was well below that level at 265 cases per 100,000 residents.
The dramatic increase in cases over the past month has prompted concern from local leaders and the government, with yet more restrictions being considered for the region.
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Although the details of the new restrictions are yet to be announced, they are expected to include forced closures of pubs and restaurants and a complete ban on household mixing, even outside.
Local leaders expressed fury on Thursday after the government told national newspapers about its plans before council chiefs or the Metro Mayor.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said yesterday that the news was “extremely disappointing” and called for more communication between the government and local leaders.
He added: “Significant restrictions, like those being proposed, must also come with significant financial support for local businesses that will be affected, local councils who are leading our public health efforts and for NHS test and trace.”
