THE Covid infection rate has fallen across all parts of the region - just one week after cases started to tumble in Northumberland and South Tyneside.

All fourteen council areas in the North-East and North Yorkshire reported a fall in the number of cases, in latest data made available on Tuesday.

One area, which had previously seen on the region's highest Covid infection rates, has seen on the biggest decreases in the past week.

Although still having the region's highest Covid infection rate, Hartlepool has seen a dramatic 28.5 per cent decrease in cases.

It comes as Northern Echo analysis of the Public Health England case data last week revealed a slow in the spread of infection across all areas here.

>>>See your area below<<<

But most recent data, published today, shows how the situation appears to be looking up with fewer cases per 100,000 people, across the entire region.

Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their efforts so far in helping to bring down infection rates and staying at home as much as possible.

"Fantastic progress is also being made in the roll-out of the vaccines, offering hope of a return to some of our freedoms later in the year.

“However, our infection rates remain high and our hospitals are still under a great deal of pressure, which is why it is vital that we all continue to follow the government guidance.

"I know it is challenging but staying at home wherever possible, maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a face covering and social distancing are key to protecting our NHS and continuing to drive down infection rates.”

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The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, which represents five council areas including Darlington and Hartlepool, said lockdown restrictions are having a "clear impact."

He said: “It’s great to see that coronavirus rates have dropped right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

"It just shows the importance of following Government guidelines, self-isolating if you’re ill and only leaving home for essential reasons – all these measures are having a clear impact.

“I know that this third lockdown has been hard on individuals, families and businesses, but these figures show there is light at the end of the tunnel. Things look even brighter when you consider thousands of people across our area have already received a vaccine against this disease and we're leading the way in this speedy roll-out."

Mr Houchen added that he is urging everyone that can to sign up as a Steward Volunteer at a vaccination centre, while asking businesses give staff the time off they need to volunteer.

The Northern Echo: Picture: PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLANDPicture: PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND

How the Covid-19 infection rate compares in your part of the region - in order of percentage:

The infection figures are from the seven days to January 13, compared with the rate in the seven days to January 6...

1. South Tyneside

Number of cases this week: 483 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 319.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 30.4 per cent

2. Hartlepool

Number of cases this week: 523 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 558.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 28.5 per cent

3. Middlesbrough

Number of cases this week: 625 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 443.3 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 27.8 per cent

4. County Durham 

Number of cases this week: 1,817 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 342.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 26.9 per cent

5. Gateshead 

Number of cases this week: 630 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 311.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 26.1 per cent

6. Hambleton, North Yorkshire

Number of cases this week: 315 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 343.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 23.2 per cent

7. Northumberland

Number of cases this week: 788 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 244.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 23.1 per cent

8. Darlington

Number of cases this week: 382 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 357.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 22.2 per cent

9. Richmondshire, North Yorkshire

Number of cases this week: 225 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 418.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 21.1 per cent

10. Sunderland

Number of cases this week: 1,157 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 416.6 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 17.2 per cent

11. North Tyneside

Number of cases this week: 504 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 242.4 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 9.8 per cent

12. Redcar and Cleveland

Number of cases this week: 563 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 410.5 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 8.8 per cent

13. Stockton

Number of cases this week: 849 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 430.2 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 5.5 per cent

14. Newcastle

Number of cases this week: 820 cases 

Covid-19 infection rate: 270.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 2.1 per cent