SCIENTISTS have predicted whether any parts of Worcestershire will become coronavirus hotspots in the next fortnight.

Researched at Imperial College London have predicted the probability of areas becoming Covid-19 hotspots as lockdown measures start to ease.

Figures show there is a 44 per cent chance of 50 or more cases being recorded in Worcester in the next week and a 12 per cent chance of 100 cases or more.

Scientists have said there is a zero per cent chance of 200 or more cases being recorded in Worcester this week.

Percentages have also been produced for the week after with a 33 per cent chance of 50 or more cases being recorded in Worcester in the week beginning March 14.

There is a 12 per cent chance of 100 or more cases being recorded in Worcester, according to the figures.

The data has been produced by the Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College, in conjunction with its mathematics department.

It predicts the probability of local authorities recording at least 100 cases per 100,000 people over the coming weeks and becoming a 'hotspot' on its map.

The predictions are based on reported cases and weekly reported deaths, combined with mathematical modelling, which results in the probability of an area becoming a hotspot in the following weeks.

Figures show there is a 43 per cent chance of 100 cases or more being recorded in Malvern Hills in the next week compared to a 41 per cent chance of 100 cases or more being recorded in the following week.

There is a 11 per cent chance of 200 or more cases being recorded in Malvern Hills in the next week and a 16 per cent chance of 200 or more cases in the following week up to March 20.

The figures for Wychavon, which includes Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich, show there is a 58 per cent chance of 50 or more cases being recorded in the next week.

The research suggests there is a 19 per cent chance of 100 or more cases being recorded and just a one per cent chance of 200 or more cases being recorded in Wychavon.

Wychavon has been given a 45 per cent chance of 50 or more cases being in the following week with a 19 per cent chance of 100 or more cases being recorded in the week beginning March 14. Again, researchers have said there is a one per cent chance of 200 or more cases being recorded in the next week.

Redditch has been given a 67 per cent chance of recording 100 or more cases this week compared to 59 per cent in Wyre Forest.

All schools will open from March 8 with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed.

Recreation in an outdoor public spaces - such as a park - will be allowed between two people, meaning they would be allowed to sit down for a coffee, drink or picnic.

From March 29 outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed.

It is understood this will include gatherings in private gardens.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts will reopen and organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroots football, will also return.