NEW data from public health bodies has revealed which towns and cities are most at risk of being put back on lockdown following a row over “pillar two” testing data.

An investigation by the Financial Times this week found while the UK Government published a UK-wide figure for coronavirus cases each day including tests from hospitals and at-home samples, on a subnational level the reported cases only contain hospital tests. This pillar two testing – results from at-home and drive-through tests – has not been made available at a local level in England.

In Leicester a local lockdown was implemented when it emerged that with pillar two test figures included, there had been 944 positive coronavirus tests in the city from June 13-26 – not 80 as previously thought.

READ MORE: Pillar 2: Up to 90% of Covid-19 cases missing from England's data

New data now gives a fuller picture of the areas most at risk of seeing a second spike in coronavirus cases and which could be put back into lockdown to slow the spread of the virus.

The Financial Times has produced a map showing where the virus is most prevalent based on the new data. It found Merthyr Tydfil in Wales has the highest rate with 177 infections per 100,000, largely down to a large outbreak at a meat plant.

The second-highest rate was found in Leicester, where there were 140 infections per 100,000 people.

The north of England had some red areas, where there are more than 50 cases per 100,000 people. Areas of concern included Bradford, Barnsley and Rochdale.

However in Scotland, every area included had just 0-5 positive coronavirus cases per 100,000 people.

The First Minister posted an image of the map, saying: “This map (from @FT) shows the progress we’ve made in Scotland against COVID. But we mustn’t drop our guard. Please keep following the advice on face coverings, avoiding crowded places, cleaning hands, physical distancing and testing/self isolating if you have symptoms.”

READ MORE: New Scientist analysis: Scotland's virus fight hampered by England

The graphic comes a day after Boris Johnson claimed there was no such thing as a Scottish Border, in response to comments from Nicola Sturgeon that she would impose restrictions on those coming into Scotland if the public health evidence suggested it was necessary.

Devi Sridhar, global public health expert, has said Scotland is unlikely to eliminate Covid-19 as it aims to without the co-operation of leaders in England.