The seven-day coronavirus infection rate in Barnet has fallen after a recent spike during lockdown.

During the week ending November 20, the borough’s Covid-19 infection rate dropped by 15 per cent to 166 new cases per 100,000 people.

It comes as the country prepares for the end of an England-wide lockdown and the reintroduction of a tiered system of restrictions.

Barnet’s infection rate remained below the figure for England as a whole, which fell substantially to 217.6 new cases per 100,000 people during the same period.

The data is based on figures from Public Health England published on the Government’s online coronavirus dashboard. It is subject to slight variations, as the figures are continually revised.

Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in Barnet (Source: Public Health England)

Colindale again recorded the highest number of new cases – 33 in the seven days to November 19, according to the latest information published on a Government map of ‘middle layer super output areas’.

High case numbers were also recorded in Grahame Park (25), Friern Barnet (24), Hendon Central (24) and Burnt Oak and Watling Park (24).

Areas with relatively low numbers included West Finchley (5) and Church End (7).

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out plans for a new tiered system of restrictions, which is due to take effect from December 2 and expected to remain in place until March.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for the capital to be placed in tier 2, saying tighter restrictions would be a “hammer blow” to the city’s economy.

Tier 2 will see separate households banned from mixing indoors unless they form part of a support bubble, but non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen.

The Government has also announced that up to three households will be allowed to form an exclusive bubble so they can see each other at home during the Christmas period. This will be permitted during a short window between December 23 and 27.

More information on the new tiers is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know