West Norfolk 'has one of highest coronavirus case rates in England', data suggests

West Norfolk has one of the highest rates of coronavirus spread in the whole of England, according to public health data.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics also suggest that people in the borough are at least twice as likely to die with Covid-19 as in any other district of Norfolk.

And, although county officials say they are investigating possible explanations for the figures, they admit they don't yet know what the cause may be.

Latest figures from Public Health England show there have been 643 confirmed coronavirus cases in West Norfolk since the outbreak began in March.

That equates to around a third of all 1,928 cases recorded in Norfolk and is more than two and a half times the total of the next highest Norfolk district – 255 in Broadland.

The figures also mean the rate of infections in West Norfolk stands at 423.6 per 100,000 people. Only 10 district council areas in England, out of more than 300, have a higher rate.

Meanwhile, ONS data suggests the rate of coronavirus-related deaths in West Norfolk remains at least twice as high as in neighbouring districts and in some cases may be higher still.

Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk's Director of Public Health, said this afternoon: “We are aware of the high number of cases reported in West Norfolk and are currently investigating their cause.

"While there are a number of potentially contributing factors, our Public Health team is examining all the data before announcing any conclusion on why cases are higher in this area.

“In the meantime we are continuing to support care homes across the county in dealing with Covid 19: any care providers facing difficulty should contact our Virtual Incident Room for Care Providers.”

Earlier today, Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital confirmed the death of an elderly man who had contracted the virus - the 124th death to be recorded there since the crisis began.