THE coronavirus infection rate across the entire North-East and North Yorkshire region has fallen - for the first time in weeks.

Latest Public Health England data, which was published today, shows that all council areas have seen a fall in the number of new Covid cases.

The figures, which show the number of new cases reported in the seven days to November 18, has showed a decline in new cases compared to the previous week.

The story has since been updated to reflect figures published at 5pm on November 23*

SEE MORE: Live updates as Boris Johnson to reveal lockdown plans over Christmas period

It comes as the Prime Minister is today set to unveil his "winter Covid plan", which is thought to involve tougher tier measures once the national lockdown ends on December 2.

SEE MORE: Boris Johnson set to announce easing of restrictions over Christmas period TODAY 

It is also expected to include the announcement that Covid restrictions will be relaxed for the Christmas period prompting mixed reaction. 

The Northern Echo:

The region has seen a rise in Covid-19 Picture: PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND

But the latest Covid data shows that the majority of council areas has seen large falls in the number of new cases with just four council areas still seeing a rise. 

How the Covid-19 infection rate compares across each area in the region:

The infection figures are from the seven days to November 18, compared with the rate in the seven days to November 11.

1. Gateshead

Number of cases this week: 652 cases (down 294 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 322.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 31.1 per cent

2. Sunderland

Number of cases this week: 916 cases (down 283 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 329.8cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 23.6 per cent

3. Middlesbrough

Number of cases this week: 548 cases (down 143 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate:388.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 20.7 per cent

4. County Durham

Number of cases this week: 1,776 cases (down 419 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 335.0 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 19.1 per cent

5. Richmondshire, North Yorkshire

Number of cases this week: 111 cases (down 23 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 206.6 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 17.2 per cent

6. North Tyneside

Number of cases this week: 722 cases (down 138 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 347.3 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 16.0 per cent

7. Hambleton, North Yorkshire

Number of cases this week: 163 cases (down 27 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 178.0 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 14.2 per cent

8. Newcastle

Number of cases this week: 1,184 cases (down 180 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 391.0 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 13.2 per cent

9. Redcar and Cleveland

Number of cases this week: 585 cases (down 88 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 426.5 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are  DOWN 13.1 per cent

10. Stockton

Number of cases this week: 801 cases (down 88 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 405.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 9.9 per cent

11. Northumberland 

Number of cases this week: 883 cases (down 82 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 273.9 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 8.5 per cent

12. South Tyneside

Number of cases this week: 578 cases (down 47 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 382.8 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN by 7.5 per cent

13. Hartlepool

Number of cases this week: 484 cases (down 14 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 516.7 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 2.8 per cent

14. Darlington

Number of cases this week: 368 cases (down 2 from week before)

Covid-19 infection rate: 344.6 cases per 100,000 people

Cases are DOWN 0.5 per cent

Today, a Teesside MP joined a group of Tory MPs who are questioning plans to impose further restrictions on individuals and businesses throughout the country.

Stockton South MP Matt Vickers is a member of the Covid Recovery Group (CRG), alongside Steve Baker and Mark Harper, who this week wrote to the Prime Minister calling on him to ensure that the current lockdown ends on December 2 and that any further restrictions are evidenced and do more good than harm.

The group have expressed concern specifically about the impact on outside sport, the closure of non-use essential retail, gyms, ‘personal care’ businesses, care home visits, hospitality and places of worship.

SEE MORE: Covid: Teesside MP writes to Prime Minister and questions plans to impose further restrictions

Mr Vickers said: “The Covid Recovery Group has a really important role to play in providing real and healthy scrutiny of the government’s approach to the pandemic."