Covid-19 is now rising proportionally faster in student areas – these are the worst-hit cities in England

Our analysis shows those living in university towns and cities in England are around three times as likely to test positive for Covid-19 as those in non-student areas.

Messages from students self-isolating at Manchester Metropolitan University. (Photo By PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images.)

People living in student areas in England are around three times as likely to test positive for Covid-19 as those in non-student areas, according to analysis of case figures. Around 40 UK universities have now announced virus outbreaks, with students across the country forced to self-isolate in their student accommodation and rely on online lectures.

An exclusive New Statesman analysis of hyper-local case figures across England has revealed the scale of the problem – and pinpointed, for the first time, the university towns and cities worst affected by Covid-19 in student neighbourhoods.