Parts of Barnet have seen Covid-19 cases drop to almost zero as infection rates fell again.

The latest data shows six areas in the borough where fewer than three new cases of the virus were recorded in the week to February 25 – the lowest case numbers provided by the Government.

Despite the falling cases, council leader Cllr Dan Thomas last week warned Barnet was “not in the clear yet” and the return to normality would involve “gradual changes”.

READ MORE: ‘Not in the clear yet’ – leader says route out of lockdown means gradual changes

The Covid-19 infection rate in Barnet dropped by 11 per cent to 75 new cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to February 25.

According to a Government map of middle layer super output areas – parts of the borough with similar populations – the areas of Barnet with fewer than three new cases of the virus were:

  • Temple Fortune
  • Hampstead Garden Suburb
  • West Finchley
  • Woodside Park
  • Oakleigh Park
  • New Barnet West

The worst-affected area was Hendon Central, with 20 new cases. Colindale and Burnt Oak and Watling Park also saw high case numbers, with 15 each.

The latest update from Barnet Council, published on Tuesday, reveals hospital admissions are at six per day – down from 11 per day the previous week. There are still around 177 people in the Royal Free with Covid-19, with around 60 on mechanical ventilation.

Case numbers in care homes are “decreasing significantly”, with five residents and five staff members testing positive for Covid-19 during the previous seven days, the update adds.

The report reveals there were two cases linked to schools during the past week, with 24 students currently isolating.

Surge testing is being rolled out in East Finchley after a case of the South African variant of coronavirus – which is thought to spread more easily – was found in the area.

READ MORE: Door-to-door testing to begin after South African Covid variant found in East Finchley

Everyone over the age of 16 living in N2 postcodes is being strongly encouraged to take a PCR Covid-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Council leader Cllr Dan Thomas said there was “no evidence at present” that the variant had spread.

The latest infection rate 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 updated.

To protect individuals’ identities, exact numbers are not provided for areas with fewer than three cases of the virus.