Big drop in cases since lockdown began

LOCKDOWN has more than halved the number of Covid-19 infections in the North East, according to a major new study.

Cases fell by over 60% between November 13 and 24, according to the latest REACT study by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI which tests over 105,000 volunteers in England.

Nationally, the REACT study has revealed that cases are down 30% in the same 11-day period, something Matt Hancock attributed to the “huge efforts” of the public.

“This latest data shows we must keep our resolve and we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal just yet, despite the encouraging fall in cases and progress on vaccines,” said the Health Secretary.

“The next few weeks and months are the busiest time of year for our NHS, so it’s vital we all continue to follow new local restrictions, wash our hands, wear a face covering and observe social distancing.”

Nationally, the R rate is now 0.88 - anything below 1 means the virus is retreating - and prevalence in the North East has gone from 1.88% of the public having the virus to just 0.72%.