Latest developments as Philippines reports record 26,458 cases and scientist says Omicron variant could become endemic in UK
The north-east and north-west of England are seeing “concerning” rates of the Omicron variant, an expert has said.
Figures showed that three of the five UK areas with the biggest week-on-week rises in Covid case rates are Middlesbrough (748.8 to 2,651.4), Copeland (1,731.3 to 3,525.8) and Redcar & Cleveland (846.8 to 2,564.3).