Coronavirus tracked: Top 20 worst affected local authority areas for Covid-19 infections in England

Blackburn with Darwen has highest infection rate, with 78.6 cases per 100,000 people

The latest NHS data shows that Blackburn with Darwen has the highest coronavirus infection rate in England, with 78.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Leicester stands in second, with a rate of 64.2, as it finally emerges from its extended lockdown.

Oldham is the third worst affect area in the country, having recorded 51.4 cases per 100,000 between 18 and 24 July.

The borough is one of many across Greater Manchester that has found itself hit hard by Covid-19 in recent weeks.

Amid rising infection rates, millions of households across the region have been banned from cross-household gatherings in homes or pubs, and a major incident was declared on Sunday.

The restrictions bar different households from meeting indoors in homes and hospitality venues across Greater Manchester and the local authority areas of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale, Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

The same restrictions will apply to the City of Leicester.