NEW restrictions have come into force today in a bid to tackle the Covid Omicron variant as parts of the region sees soaring case rates.

Restrictions including mandatory use of face coverings in shops, public transport and the introduction of stricter quarantine rules came into force at 4am.

It comes as the Health Secretary Sajid Javid last night confirmed the Covid Booster jab would be offered to all adults as officials grow increasingly concerned.

Read more: All people aged over 18 to be offered Covid-19 booster jab

But in the North East and North Yorkshire, Covid rates continue to climb in parts with thousands of new cases reported last week.

The Northern Echo:

Cases are among their highest in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire Picture: GOOGLE

Figures published last night revealed eight out of 14 council areas across the region had reported an upwards trend in cases being reported.

They showed how areas including Hambleton, Richmondshire and Stockton had seen among the highest infection rates in the week leading to November 24.

Read more: Durham and Darlington Arriva customers should wear covering amid Covid Omicron

Meanwhile, the figures showed how the Covid infection rate for the region as a whole had climbed to 389.1 cases per 100,00 population - currently sixth highest in the UK.

To help you see how the Covid pandemic is affecting your area, we've put together the latest figures in order of infection rates for each area in the region.

See how your area compares here

Data correct as of figures published at 4pm on November 29.

RICHMONDSHIRE

​Number cases this week: 293 (up 5)

Covid infection rate: 545.3 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 1.7 per cent

HAMBLETON 

​Number cases this week: 497 (up 42)

Covid infection rate: 540.6 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 9.2 per cent

NORTH TYNESIDE 

​Number cases this week: 1,002 (up 25)

Covid infection rate: 479.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 2.6 per cent

GATESHEAD

​Number cases this week: 868 (up 132) 

Covid infection rate: 429.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 17.9 per cent

DARLINGTON

​Number cases this week: 450 (down 112)

Covid infection rate: 419.0 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 19.9 per cent

NORTHUMBERLAND 

​Number cases this week: 1,241 (up 26)

Covid infection rate: 414.1 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 2.0 per cent

REDCAR AND CLEVELAND

​Number cases this week: 556 (up 45)

Covid infection rate: 405.2 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 8.8 per cent

STOCKTON

​Number cases this week: 793 (down 65)

Covid infection rate: 401.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 7.6 per cent

COUNTY DURHAM

​Number cases this week: 2,068 (down 26)

Covid infection rate: 387.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 1.2 

SUNDERLAND

​Number cases this week: 1,050 (up 95)

Covid infection rate: 377.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 9.9 per cent

NEWCASTLE 

​Number cases this week: 1,141 (up 130)

Covid infection rate: 371.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are UP by 12.9 per cent

HARTLEPOOL

​Number cases this week: 290 (down 54)

Covid infection rate: 309.0 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 15.7 per cent

MIDDLESBROUGH

​Number cases this week: 436 (down 9)

Covid infection rate: 308.6 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 2.0 per cent

SOUTH TYNESIDE

​Number cases this week: 437 (down 86)

Covid infection rate: 289.1 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 16.4 per cent

See how the rest of the UK compares

To view the figures on the Government dashboard - click here