Latest figures show infection rate is dropping off in Chesterfield

This week’s update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority in England showed that in Chesterfield the current rate is 371.8 cases per 100,000 people.

That’s 390 infections, down from the previous period when the figure was 400.4, a total of 420 cases.

Elsewhere in Derbyshire, North East Derbyshire recorded an infection rate of 326.2, or 331 cases, down from 334.1, or 339 infections.

The High Peak is showing a rate of 307.6 and 285 cases, down from 377.7 and 350 cases.

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And the Derbyshire Dales rate currently stands at 203.2 and 147 cases, down from a rate of 244.7 and 177 infections.

The figures, for the seven days to January 16, are based on tests carried out in laboratories (pillar one of the Government’s testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).

Data for the most recent four days (January 17-20) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

Of the 315 local areas in England, 17 or 5 per cent have seen a rise in case rates, 296 or 94 per cent have seen a fall and two are unchanged.

Knowsley in Merseyside continues to have the highest rate in England, with 1,666 new cases recorded in the seven days to January 16 - the equivalent of 1,104.3 cases per 100,000 people.

Despite a drop in cases, the number of people dying remains high, with the UK recording another 1,290 deaths yesterday.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.