MORE than 3,000 coronavirus cases were recorded rates across Halton in a week, figures show.

Data from the week up to January 2, which is the most recent period for which statistics are available, shows that 3513 cases were detected in the town.

This takes into account lab-reported tests and positive rapid lateral flow tests that do not have a negative confirmatory lab-based PCR test within 72 hours.

It demonstrates an infection rate of 2,707.3 cases among every 100,000 residents, which is the 16th highest rate in the UK at present.

Comparatively, the previous seven-day period up to December 26 saw 1,846 cases recorded at a rate of 1,422.6.

Out of the 377 local areas in the UK, Halton is among the 354 (94 per cent) that have seen a week-on-week rise in rates while 23 (6 per cent) have seen a fall.

The five UK areas with the biggest week-on-week rises are:

Derry City & Strabane (up from 1,756.3 to 4,849.5)

Fermanagh & Omagh (1,353.4 to 3,858.1)

Blaenau Gwent (932.6 to 3,077.7)

Mid Ulster (1,142.6 to 2,971.4)

Newry, Mourne & Down (1,323.8 to 3124.9)