Leeds sees daily rise in Covid infection rates in figures published since New Year's Eve, with over 60s rate nearly doubling in a week

On Sunday, January 3, the Covid rate in Leeds was published as 224.4 cases per 100,000 people with a positivity rate of 12.3 per cent.

This is a daily rise from Saturday, January 2, when infection rates were 203 cases per 100,000 people across the city.

This was at a positivity rate of 10.8 per cent.

In comparison, the positivity rate on New Year's Eve was 8.4 per cent which shows a sharp rise in infection rates in Leeds since the New Year.

As a sub set, the over 60s rate on January 3 was 163 cases per 100,000 people which is a significant rise from 151 cases per 100,000 people just the day before.

The CEO of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan, urged members of the public to follow the rules after he tweeted that the case rate in over 60s has nearly doubled in over a week which is "often a prelude to higher hospital admissions."

On New Year's Day, there were 310 new cases in Leeds, bringing the case rate up to 199 cases per 100,000 people, from 192 cases per 100,000 people the day before on New Year's Eve.

A tweet from Tom Riordan on January 3 said: "Leeds case rate today up to 224.4 per 100k and positivity up to 12.3%.

"Over 60s rate (a sub set of the overall case rate) is 163 per 100k.

"Please keep your distance, get a test if you have symptoms, wear a mask where advised and self isolate if in contact with a positive case."

Tom Riordan's tweet on January 2 said: "Leeds case numbers today 203 per 100k and positivity up to 10.8%.

"Our rate in the over 60s category has nearly doubled in a week to 151 per 100k which is often a prelude to higher hospital admissions, so please do stay safe, keep your distance and follow the rules."

Tom Riordan tweeted on January 1: "Hope you’re enjoying New Year’s Day.

"Case rate in Leeds up to 199 per 100k (from 192 yday). 310 new cases today so upward trend is continuing.

"Please take care, stay safe and keep your distance."

And on December 31, he tweeted: "Last case numbers of 2020 for Leeds moving back up - 192 per 100k & positivity at 8.4%.

"Please stay safe & celebrate New Year’s Eve just with your household or support bubble to avoid further rises.

"Looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 and welcoming a brighter (in time) 2021."