Preston and South Ribble remain in England’s top 10 fastest rising Covid hotspots

An empty Preston city centre during lockdown Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston and South Ribble have remained in England’s top 10 areas for the fastest rising coronavirus infection rates.

The city saw more than 100 confirmed Covid-19 cases for Tuesday (19 January) with 102 recorded.

South Ribble saw 63 cases for the same day.

Wyre had 44 confirmed cases, Ribble Valley 29, Chorley with 49 and Fylde with 27.

Preston’s infection rate was second in the top 10 fastest growing week-on-week rises, after being ranked first for Monday (18 January).

The city’s infection rate is 512.1 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to January 15, up from 447.1 per 100,000 people for the seven days to January 8.

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Data for the most recent four days (January 16-19) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

South Ribble’s infection rate is the seventh fastest rising in England, with 503.7 cases per 100,000 people, up from 481.1, for the same date periods as Preston.

Wyre’s rate is now 380.9, down from 447.

Fylde has also seen a drop, to 321.9, down from 323.1.

Ribble Valley has seen a steep drop to 500.9, down from 629.

Chorley’s rate has dropped to 357.8, down from 414.5.

New highest daily Covid deaths

The UK recorded its highest daily death toll since the pandemic began.

Tuesday (19 January) saw 1,610 people die from coronavirus – where a positive test had occured within 28 days of death.

Public Health England’s medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Each death is a tragedy and the number of Covid-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test will continue for some time throughout this second wave.

“Whilst there are some early signs that show our sacrifices are working, we must continue to strictly abide by the measures in place.

“By reducing our contacts and staying at home we will see a fall in the number of infections over time.”