Leeds Covid infection rate falls for first time since third national lockdown began

On Sunday January 10, the Covid infection rate in Leeds was published as 346 cases per 100,000 people with a positivity rate of 13.8 per cent.

This was a fall from 355 cases per 100,000 people and a positivity rate of 14 per cent just the day before on January 9.

In comparison, when the third national lockdown legally came into force on Wednesday January 6, the case rate in Leeds was 290 cases per 100,000 people with a 14 per cent positivity rate.

However, the CEO of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan has said that in order for the decrease to be a trend "we need three or four days of similar" as "it may go back up."

He "hopes it continues" and referred to the case decrease as "at last brighter news".

He tweeted: "At last brighter news.

"Leeds case rate down (from 355) to 346 per 100k & positivity 13.8%.

"We need 3 or 4 days of similar for this to be a trend as it may go back up, but let’s hope this continues.

"The way to be sure is to stay at home if you can & keep your distance if you can’t."

The proportion of the new Covid variant in Leeds is now one in five cases, which has risen from one in 20 cases before Christmas.

The Council's CEO has also pleaded with residents in the city to stay at home if possible, but if out to keep distance and wear a mask in doors.

On January 9, Tom Riordan tweeted: "Latest Leeds case numbers are up to 355 per 100k and positivity at 14%.

"5 deaths registered yday.

"The proportion of the new variant has gone up from 1 in 20 cases before Xmas to 1 in 5.

"If you can, stay at home. If you’re out, keep your distance and wear a mask indoors. Please."

--> The Leeds areas where the infection rate has fallen

On January 8, the infection rates in Leeds were at 327.1 cases per 100,000 people with a 14.2 per cent positivity rate.

On January 7, the case rate was 316.8 cases per 100,000 people with a positivity rate of 14.1 per cent.