NEW figures show the North-West’s coronavirus reinfection rate is above one.

The region’s ‘R’ number – one of the government’s key tests for easing restrictions – is at 1.01 new cases from each Covid-19 victim – the highest in England.

The new figures follow an expert analysis of coronavirus infection rates which showed a North/South divide with new cases in the North-West the highest in the UK.

The R rate statistics prepared for Public Health England by a Cambridge University research team show that in the North West the median onward transmission rate per Covid-19 infected person is 1.01 just worse than the South-West at one and exceeding the government targer of keeping it below one per coronavirus case.

Dr Andrew Furber, PHE’s North-West Regional Director, said: “We know here in the North West, we experienced a peak in cases later than the majority of other areas.

“We need to ensure all our communities continue to follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation.

"As lockdown measures are eased across the country, it is vitally important we do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.”