Mapping coronavirus: how to track cases in the UK

The UK has recorded 335 coronavirus-related deaths and a total of 6,650 cases, according to latest figures - although the true number of infections is believed to be much higher.

Public Health England (PHE) has been tracking the spread of the virus across the nation. Here’s what you need to know.

Where are the worst-affected areas in the UK?

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According to PHE, the county of Hampshire has recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases, at 171. The London boroughs of Southwark and Brent follow closely behind, with 154 and 143 reported infections respectively. Birmingham is the next worst-affected region, with 137 cases.

You can get a breakdown of the UK cases by upper tier local authories (UTLA) and NHS regions here.

How does the UK compare with other countries?

The UK is the tenth worst-affected country in the world in terms of coronavirus cases, according to the latest figures from real-time statistics website Worldometer.

When it comes to the death toll, however, the UK rises to seventh place, behind Italy, China, Spain, Iran, France and the US.

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When was the UK’s worst day for new cases?

Data from PHE shows how the number of UK cases has increased daily, with the highest daily total of new patients reported on 21 March, when 1,000 new cases were confirmed, followed closely by 23 March, at 967.

Public health officials have been trying to work out when the number of UK cases might peak, but “the worst is almost certainly still to come”, says The Telegraph.

Are the UK numbers reliable?

Almost 84,000 people in the UK have been tested so far, with 6,650 testing positive. But as the BBC notes, “the true number of cases will be far higher as tests are primarily done on hospital patients with symptoms of the virus”.