The areas with the most rapidly rising coronavirus infection rates have been revealed on a new map.

It comes as new NHS statistics show the rate in Oldham has overtaken locked down Leicester after a staggering rise in new cases.

The city in Greater Manchester recorded 54.3 new virus cases for every 100,000 people between July 20 and 26 – a rise of 191% on the week before.

A series of new measures were introduced on Tuesday to prevent a local lockdown. Authorities told residents not to invite people into their homes, and there are still restrictions on visiting care homes.

According to the statistics, Blackburn still has the highest rate of coronavirus in England, recording 85.9 cases per 100,000 people.

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The latest statistics push Leicester, which became the UK’s first locally locked down city, down to third place, with an infection rate of 53.2 cases per 100,000 people – down 77% on the week before.

Other cities on the NHS virus hotspots list include Bradford (45.1 cases per 100,000 people), Trafford (36.8), Rochdale (32.7), Sandwell (30.9), Calderdale (28.6), Manchester (22.1) and Kirklees (19.8).

It comes amid rising concern a second wave of coronavirus infections could hit the UK in two weeks.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News this morning he was ‘worried’ about a second wave, admitting the decrease in new coronavirus cases had ‘flattened off’.

The ‘R rate’ is now thought to be above one in two areas of the UK – the South West and South East.

The Government also announced today those with Covid-19 symptoms, or who have tested positive, must self-isolate for 10 days instead of seven.

Boris Johnson earlier this week vowed to take ‘swift and decisive action’ to stop the spread of the virus.

That is thought to include removing further European countries from the UK’s safe travel destinations after Spain was suddenly taken off the list at the weekend.

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