Milton Keynes infection rate drops to below England average for the first time in weeks

Since December the MK case rate - the number of Covid cases per 100,000 of the population, has been one of the worst in the south east region. At times is was more than double the national average.

Today, with just 50 new infections throughout the borough, the seven day case rate stands at 185.6. The average for England is 194.6, while the average for the UK as a whole is slightly lower - 183.5.

Sadly there have been two more Covid-linked deaths in MK recorded today. Our death toll now stands at 419 people who have died since the start of the pandemic within 28 days of receiving a positive test.

Nationally, 13,494 people tested positive today and 678 deaths were recorded