Berkshire Covid case numbers among the worst they've ever been

Berkshire has recorded nearly 12,000 new coronavirus cases in the last seven days, according to new data.

The latest government figures show that 11,927 people had a positive Covid test between December 21 and December 28 - an 11 per cent increase on the previous seven-day period of 10,726.

The Uk has reported record daily case numbers in recent weeks, with Sunday's (January 2) data showing that England and Wales had recorded 137,583 new cases and 73 coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

Meanwhile, in Berkshire, Wokingham has recorded the highest number of cases with 2,429 in the seven-day period to December 28. Slough has recorded the fewest with 1,662.

However, every borough in the county has recorded a four-figure sum with case rates also spiralling with no area with a rate below 1,000.

The infection rate is calculated by the average number of newly confirmed cases in the previous seven days per 100,000 people.

Boris Johnson has so far decided to hold firm, with potential backlash from Tory backbenchers for the prime minister not to infringe any more restrictions on people's livelihoods.

Although experts have warned that if the latest figures show rising infections are starting to put unmanageable pressure on the NHS, it may be necessary for Mr Johnson to intervene with more stringent restrictions.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have all tightened up their rules, with restrictions for pubs and restaurants.

MPs are due to return to the Commons on Wednesday (January 5) following the Christmas recess, with the government set to review its Plan B measures on the same date.

The regulations are not due to expire until January 26, but Downing Street said at the point they were announced in December that a review would take place three weeks after implementation.

Health minister Ed Argar said on Sunday (January 2) that he saw "nothing" in the current data to suggest further measures were needed at present.

He told Times Radio: "Restrictions or curbs must be the absolute last resort. I'm seeing nothing at the moment in the data I have in front of me, in the immediate situation, that suggests a need for further restrictions. But that data changes day by day."

Covid case numbers and rate where you live

From left to right it reads: local authority, case numbers for the seven-day period to December 28, case rate for the seven-day period to December 28

Bracknell Forest: 1,925; 1,550.4
Reading: 1,971; 1,229.3
Slough: 1,662; 1,111.1
West Berkshire: 1,804; 1,138.4
Windsor and Maidenhead: 2,176; 1,438.5
Wokingham: 2,429; 1,396.4