THE Covid-19 infection rate in several parts of the North-East has reduced with fewer cases recorded last week, most recent data has revealed.

The number of positive coronavirus tests in Newcastle fell significantly last week, in the seven days to October 15, compared to the week previous, seven days to October 8.

Latest data based on Public Health England figures, made available yesterday, shows the six main areas in the region where the Covid-19 infection rate has fallen.

It comes as discussions are set to take place on whether the North-East will be placed into the strictest tier of Government lockdown rules.

Last week, council leaders across the region were told the region had one more week to demonstrate improvement in infection rates before Tier 3 rules would be considered.

In the North, Greater Manchester is set to be placed into the strictest tier of rules, which include the closure of pubs that do not serve food and a ban on mixing with households indoors and outdoors.

But the latest data, which has been analysed and calculated, has revealed that there is some improvement in the region.

Here's the Covid-19 infection rate in every part of the region as of figures published on October 19:

The infection figures are from the seven days to October 15, compared with the rate in the seven days to October 8.

1. County Durham - 350.5 cases per 100,000 people (1,858 new cases) was 299.8 (1,589 cases)

2. Stockton-on-Tees - 348.6 cases per 100,000 people (688 new cases) was 323.3 (638)

3. Newcastle upon Tyne - 348.4 cases per 100,000 people (1,055 new cases) was 545.5 (1,652)

4. Hartlepool - 342.7 cases per 100,000 people (321 new cases) was 276.5 (259)

5. Sunderland 315.8 cases per 100,000 people (877 new cases) was 313.6 (871)

6. Middlesbrough - 297.9 cases per 100,000 people (420 new cases) was 310.0 (437)

7. Darlington - 259.4 cases per 100,000 people (277 new cases) was 200.4 (214)

8. Redcar and Cleveland -  255.9 cases per 100,000 people (351 new cases) was 218.7 (300)

9. Gateshead - 236.6 cases per 100,000 people (478 new cases) was 274.7 (555)

10. South Tyneside - 229.2 cases per 100,000 people(346 new cases) was 276.2 (417)

11. North Tyneside - 207.8  cases per 100,000 people(432 new cases) was 288.1 (599)

12. Northumberland - 170.6 cases per 100,000 people (550 new cases) was 195.1 (629)

13. Hambleton - 133.2 cases per 100,000 people (122 new cases) was 128.8 (118)

14. Richmondshire - 102.4 cases per 100,000 people (55 new cases) was 91.2 (49)

What council leaders have said

The North of Tyne elected mayor said coronavirus cases had plateaued or were falling since leaders successfully argued for the North East to have a reprieve from the Tier 3 restrictions.

Jamie Driscoll said: “We are expecting to meet with Government ministers and officials later this week, but nothing is in the diary and we have had no contact since Friday. 

“Last week we talked through their data, and our data, epidemiology, NHS capacity and public health interventions.

“They accepted there was no case for moving into Tier 3.

“The latest evidence is that, across our region, case rates have plateaued or are falling.

“I want to say a thank you to the public for following the law and the guidelines, and staying safe.”