Preston’s infection rate for coronavirus has gone above the 500 cases per 100,000 people mark for the first time.

There were 106 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the city during Tuesday (27 October), the second-highest increase in Lancashire.

Latest infection rate analysis from the Press Association shows Preston’s infection rate for the seven days to October 23 is now 504.4 per 100,000 people, up from 397.5 per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 16.

Preston has seen 146 coronavirus-related deaths up to October 16.

In South Ribble there were 77 new cases during Tuesday.

Read more: Pub in South Ribble closes as staff member tests positive for Covid-19

The infection rate in the borough is now 434.2 per 100,000 people, up from 324 per 100,000 people in the previous seven days. Both figures are for the same time period as Preston.

South Ribble’s seen 96 coronavirus-related deaths up to October 16.

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The highest infection rate in Lancashire is in Blackburn with Darwen with 785.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Read more: See the latest Preston and South Ribble cases mapped ward-by-ward

When will tier-three end and rapid Covid-19 tests

More than 50 northern MPs, including Fylde MP Mark Menzies, have written to the Prime Minister calling for a ‘pathway down the tiering system’ for northern areas – including Preston and Lancashire.

The Northern Resilience Group, made up of largely Conservative MPs, say the North has ‘seen a level of disruption unparalleled with other parts of the country.’

They go on to say: “Our constituents have been some of the worst affected by Covid, with many losing jobs and businesses.

“We urge you to reflect carefully on our promise to people living in the North during the last election with the levelling-up agenda and make our region central to the country’s economic recovery.”

Jake Berry 2 by The Guardian

Read more: Leader of South Ribble Borough Council shares open letter condemning local MP for free school meals vote

Rumours of a ‘tier-four’ of restrictions being considered surfaced during the weekend and LancsLive reports the Lancashire Resilience Forum says it is ‘too early’ for further restrictions, as tier-three measures have not yet had chance to bed in.

Meanwhile a ‘Covid breath test’ is being worked on to detect coronavirus ‘within 60 seconds’.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines