According to a classified leaked government document, 20 councils across England have been identified that are most at risk of new virus outbreaks.
The leaked document, which was given to the Guardian and the Observer, has identified potential new localised lockdown areas.
The areas that are mong those of facing a potential resurgence of the virus are, Sheffield, Kirklees and Bradford.
The Guardian reported that Public Health England (PHE) had briefed government health officials last Thursday, in considering publishing a ranking of 10 councils most affected by the outbreaks.
The document which was marked “official sensitive” reportedly published by PHE, has ranked 20 councils that have the highest proportion of confirmed coronavirus cases.
The leaked document’s full list is as follows:
- Leicester
- Kirklees
- Bradford
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Oadby and Wigston
- Rochdale
- Ashford
- Folkestone and Hythe
- Blaby
- Oldham
- Rotherham
- Barnsley
- Bedford
- Northampton
- Sheffield
- Bolton
- Hinckley and Bosworth
- Kettering
- Knowsley
- Carlisle
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson told the Observer, “We have been transparent about our response to coronavirus and are always looking to improve the data we publish, including the way we update testing statistics.
“The list of the 10 local authorities with the highest weekly incidence of coronavirus is already publicly available in PHE’s weekly surveillance report.
“All councils in England now have the ability to access testing data, right down to an individual and postcode level.
“If councils feel they require more assistance with data, of course, PHE is able to help them.”
Leave a Comment