Figures from the COVID Symptom Study app suggest Halton in Cheshire is now the worst-affected place - overtaking Blackburn as the number one hotspot. After analysing data, experts believe that Dumfries and Galloway, Thurrock, St Helens, Middlesbrough, Blackpool and Lancashire have emerged as areas of concern. It is estimated that there are 1,434 new infections per day, with 24,131 currently ill with symptomatic coronavirus. The app was developed by King's College London, with data based on 10,988 swab tests done between July 26 and August 8. They believe the UK is not experiencing a second wave - because some areas are still feeling the effects of the first.

Source: Daily Mirror August 13, 2020 12:37 UTC