Coronavirus still spreading fastest in Bolton but other England cities spiking in cases

Coronavirus cases are continuing to surge in a number of towns and cities across the UK.

More than 500 new cases were recorded in Bolton in the seven days to September 10, according to new data from Public Health England.

A total of 552 cases were recorded - the equivalent of 192.0 cases per 100,000 people, up from 126.2 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Bolton continues to record the highest seven-day rate in England, with residents aged 18-49 accounting for the majority of the cases, according to Bolton Council.

Due to the surge in cases, venues such as casinos, bowling alleys and indoor play areas are prohibited from opening in Bolton, while restaurants, bars and pubs must remain closed.

Four other areas of England also have rates that are now higher than 100 cases per 100,000 people: Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Oadby and Wigston, and Preston.

The latest Public Health England data also shows that more than 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Birmingham in the seven days to September 10.

A total of 1,014 new cases were recorded - the equivalent of 88.8 cases per 100,000 people, up from 53.0 in the previous week.

Other areas recording sharp increases in their weekly infection rate include Sunderland (up from 34.2 to 94.3, with 262 new cases); Liverpool (up from 32.9 to 85.1, with 424 new cases); Manchester (up from 54.3 to 77.4, with 428 new cases); and Leeds (up from 48.4 to 69.8, with 554 new cases).

In total, 210 of the 315 local authority areas in England recorded an increase in the weekly rate of new Covid-19 cases in the seven days to September 10.

The rate fell in 91 areas and was unchanged in 14 areas.

New cases were recorded in all 315 local authority areas.

It comes after the number of daily coronavirus cases rose by 3,330 in the last 24 hours.

Cases topped 3,000 yet again, in the highest Sunday rise since mid-May as more virus hot-spots brace for the potential for local lockdowns.

New infections continued to surge on the eve of tightening lockdown rules in England, and five more people lost their lives to the virus.

The 'rule of six' kicks in on Monday, limiting the number of people who you can meet indoors or outdoors.

Nationwide, five more people died with Covid-19 across all settings in the past 24 hours, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

All five who lost their lives died in England - bringing the official UK death toll to 41,623.

It will become illegal to met up in groups bigger than six from tomorrow in homes, outside or in venues, in a Government bid to curb spiking infections.

However, schools and businesses where people mingle like shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants will remain open - people just won't be able to meet in groups larger than six there.

Fines can be issued to anyone found flouting the rules, starting at £100, and capped at £3,200 for repeat offending.