Preston has tumbled out of the top 50 places for high coronavirus infection rates for the first time in months.

The city saw 76 new cases confirmed for Wednesday (18 November) but latest analysis by the Press Association saw infection rates fall.

Preston’s Covid-19 infection rate is now 408.7 cases per 100,000 people, for the seven days to November 14, down from 459.7 per 100,000 for the seven days to November 7.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information by entering your postcode below

South Ribble saw 46 new cases for Wednesday. Blackburn with Darwen had the highest number of new cases in Lancashire with 100 new cases.

And the borough now has a coronavirus infection rate which is below the average in England (272 cases per 100,000 people).

South Ribble’s Covid-19 infection rate is 255.4 per 100,000 people, down from 260.9 per 100,000 people – for the same date ranges as Preston above.

Infection rates for neighbouring boroughs are

• Ribble Valley – 303.8 per 100,000, down from 382.7
• Fylde – 302.1 per 100,000, up from 273.6
• Wyre – 240 per 100,000, down from 303.3

Read more: Numbers of cases and how they are changing in each area of Preston

What price for Christmas?

Numerous national media reports have claimed the government is proposing a ‘relaxing of restrictions’ for the Christmas holidays.

Scientific advisors have warned for each day of ‘relaxed restrictions’ then five days of tighter restrictions would be needed.

The Sun reported a five-day relaxation may see up to three or four households allowed to meet indoors from Christmas Eve.

Cabinet minister business secretary Alok Sharma said it was too early for decisions related to Christmas, but said they were working towards a Christmas ‘as normal as possible’.

England remains in national lockdown until 2 December and it is expected to resume a regional tier approach to restrictions once the national lockdown ends.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines