The North East has recorded its highest number of weekly coronavirus deaths in more than five months, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.
In the week ending on October 23 - the most recent data available - the region registered 114 fatalities where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, the highest number since May 29 when 141 were recorded.
Across England and Wales as a whole, the number of weekly deaths involving coronavirus is at its highest since early June.
The figure of 978 for the week ending October 23 is the most since June 12, according to ONS data, and is up from 670 in the week to October 16 - a rise of 46%.
Registered deaths involving Covid-19 have increased week-on-week in every region of England in the week to October 23.
The North West registered 325 deaths, the highest number for the region since the week ending May 22.
While in Yorkshire and the Humber, 159 fatalities were registered, the highest since the week to June 5.
The figures come just days before England will enter a second lockdown which Boris Johnson announced on Saturday.
The "circuit-breaker" begins on Thursday, November 5 and ends on Wednesday, December 2.
The Prime Minister said schools, colleges and universities will remain open while non-essential shops and businesses will close.
Hospitality businesses such as cafe, restaurants and pub must close but open only for takeaway and deliveries, except for takeaway of alcohol.
The furlough scheme, with employees who cannot work paid 80% of their usual wages, will be extended for the duration of this national lockdown.
On Monday, Mr Johnson announced in the House of Commons that coronavirus tests will be offered to everyone across Liverpool in a pilot of mass testing in England.
Anyone living or working in the city can be tested regularly from Friday, even if they have no symptoms.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We are offering all the people of Liverpool the opportunity to be tested on a regular basis – to make that as accessible and convenient as possible.
"And it is supported by over 2,000 military personnel, who will be available in Liverpool from Thursday.
“If this is a success, and I sincerely hope that everyone in Liverpool will get behind it, then we would like to roll this out in more towns and cities across the country in the weeks ahead.”
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