Lockdown is gradually lifting in Luton and across England - but there are some areas where coronavirus cases are rising. And although case rates have predominantly fallen across the country, the so-called Indian variant is fast becoming a cause of concern for the Government with infections identified across the UK. There are fears the roadmap out of lockdown could be threatened by the new variant. The latest figures for Luton show six out of 21 neighbourhoods saw an increase in infections in the latest seven-day period, the first week of May. Meanwhile 11 neighbourhoods had fewer than three cases, and there were nine where cases had fallen. Now with gyms, bars and restaurants opening to customers again, we reveal which neighbourhoods saw the biggest rise in case rates per 100,000 people between May 1 and May 8, which stayed the same, and which saw a decrease. Note: Where cases rates are between 0 and 2 the Government will not give out exact numbers to avoid identifying individual people.
1.
Central Luton & Park Town has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 166% from 37.9 per 100,000 people on May 1 to 101 on May 8. PHOTO: Google
2.
Limbury has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 100%, from 24.9 per 100,000 people on May 1 to 49.9 on May 8. PHOTO: GOOGLE
3.
Leagrave has seen rates of positive Covid cases rise by 25% from 39.5 per 100,000 people on May 1 to 49.4 on May 8. PHOTO: GOOGLE
4.
Stopsley North recorded an infection rate of 0-2 per 100,000 people on May 1. This had risen to 38.5 on May 8. PHOTO: GOOGLE