Preston’s confirmed coronavirus cases are continuing to accelerate again.

The city recorded 159 new cases during Thursday (12 November).

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Figures from the BBC show Preston now has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in Lancashire, with 480 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to 8 November.

See the latest coronavirus cases near you

South Ribble saw 64 new cases for Thursday and now has an infection rate of 254.5 per 100,000 people for the same date range as Preston above.

The borough now has the second-lowest Covid-19 infection rate in the county.

Eat Out to Help Out returning?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared to hint there could be a tasty boost during the winter.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which critics say contributed to a spread of the virus, gave diners 50 per cent off meals Monday to Wednesday in August – capped at £10 per head.

Mr Sunak was asked on Sky News whether he would be bringing back the scheme over the winter months.

He said: “I think we’ll have to look at the economic situation then and see what’s the best form of our support.”

“We want to get consumers spending again, people out and about.”

See which pubs and restaurants near you have switched to takeaway and collection

Dozens of Preston and South Ribble restaurants signed up for the scheme – which saw 100 million meals eaten across the country.

Mr Sunak appeared to deny the blame for the rise in Covid cases in the late summer could be put at the door of the meals-out offer.

Read more: Mass coronavirus testing on the way to Lancashire

He said: “I think it’s probably simplistic to look at any one thing. What’s happening here is similar to what’s happening in many other countries.”

The scheme is credited with saving many restaurants from going bust after many months of closure under the lockdown restrictions.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines