Preston and South Ribble coronavirus infection rate latest as Matt Hancock says ‘no decision’ on post 2 December restrictions

Health secretary Matt Hancock gives an update Pic: YouTube/10 Downing Street

Preston’s coronavirus infection rate has continued its march downwards.

The city has now seen a third day in a row of decreasing Covid-19 infection rates.

New confirmed cases for Friday (20 November) were 72 for Preston and South Ribble saw 37 new cases.

Wyre had 24, Fylde 36 and Ribble Valley 34.

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Preston’s coronavirus infection rate for the seven days up to November 16 is 338.8 cases per 100,000 people.

South Ribble is now 239.2 per 100,000 people for the same time period.

Covid rates for neighbouring authorities are:

Wyre has dropped below the 200 mark, 198.1 per 100,000 people
Ribble Valley is 274.3 per 100,000 people
Fylde continues to see the rate increase and is now 286 cases per 100,000 people.

No decision yet on additional restrictions

Health Secretary Matt Hancock briefed the nation during a Friday afternoon press conference.

He said: “We’re doing the work on what happens after December 2 right now, it’s still too early to tell.”

Mr Hancock said there were ongoing discussions about Christmas-related restrictions and they were hopeful of reaching agreement with Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh administrations to ensure there was a consistent approach across all four nations.

He said: “I just think it would be such a boost to the whole of the UK if the four nations each responsible for health care in a devolved way can come together and agree a set of arrangements that’s both safe and carefully and sensible but also allows families to see each other at Christmas.”

You can watch the full press conference below

There was also an update on the vaccine as Mr Hancock said if approved by the safety regulator the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer could start during December with the first people vaccinated before Christmas.

At-risk groups, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, are due to be prioritised.

Mr Hancock said the government was hopeful of some normality ‘by Spring’.