Lockdown has seen COVID-19 cases drop by more than half in Newcastle, a new study has found
A seventh report of Coronavirus infections published by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI indicates a countrywide reduction in cases following the second lockdown. Newcastle upon Tyne has followed this trend, with cases plummeting by 60% between November 13 and 24 according to the interim results.
The November lockdown has seemingly garnered generally positive results in the short term. The national R number has decreased below 1, meaning the virus is retreating. However, Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) have warned that infections may "return to the same rate of increase" with the return of a tier-system this December.
Prevalence in the North East has fallen from 1.88% of the public to just 0.72%. Despite this, the region has been placed under Tier 3 restrictions from December 2. This means that Newcastle is in the 'very high alert' category despite having lower prevalence than London, which remains in Tier 2.
In accordance with the drop in cases, the Government's Christmas plan is likely to go ahead as intended, with rules loosening between 23 and 27 December.
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