Chart shows Preston and South Ribble coronavirus infection rates throughout February as Chancellor unveils major new grants for lockdown businesses

Sunset over the Preston Marina on a sunny weekend in the city Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston’s coronavirus infection rate is continuing to show concerning trends.

At Blog Preston we’ve been tracking how the daily infection rate has been changing since late October in the city – and also in neighbouring borough of South Ribble.

The chart below explores the latest data as February began to come to a close and the Prime Minister outlined the roadmap to easing lockdown.

Weekend recorded cases

Preston recorded 47 new coronavirus cases on Saturday (27 February).

South Ribble saw 21 new cases for the same day.

Wyre was up by 15, Fylde by 10, Ribble Valley recorded just one new case and Chorley was up by 17 cases.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

Sunday (28 February) saw the lowest number of cases recorded so far in Lancashire this year.

Preston recorded 15 new Covid-19 cases.

South Ribble saw 16 new cases, Wyre with 11, Chorley at 12.

Ribble Valley recorded just three and Fylde 21 new cases – the highest in the county.

How infection rates have changed

Each day the infection rate for every council area in England is released, looking at the number of cases on a rolling seven-day average.

You can see how Preston’s infection rate began to drop rapidly throughout late January and into February but has now flat-lined.

The city’s rate is remaining steady and constantly in England’s top 10 infection rate hot-spots.

South Ribble’s infection rate has dropped further but it is now stabilising and remains above the average infection rate for England. You can see the rates below in the chart, or tap here to view it.

Chancellor pledges a £5billion ‘restart’ grant to businesses hit hard by the pandemic

Rishi Sunak is preparing to deliver his budget setting out what will happen to the economy as the country begins to recover from the pandemic.

The Chancellor has already announced pubs, restaurants, shops and other businesses hit hardest by coronavirus restrictions are to be given a new grant scheme to apply for.

A ‘restart grant’ will be worth up to £6,000 per premises to help non-essential retailers reopen and trade safely.

See which restaurants, pubs and shops are doing delivery near you by entering your postcode below or visiting InYourArea

Around 230,000 hospitality companies, including hotels, gyms, personal care and leisure firms are to be able to apply for up to £18,000 per premises as they open during lockdown easing.

A reminder of the key-dates in the lockdown restrictions easing roadmap in relation to businesses re-opening:

No earlier than 12 April

Non-essential retail, personal care such as hairdressers, and public buildings can reopen
Outdoor attractions will be able to open, such as zoos and theme parks
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools can re-open
Hospitality venues can re-open serving meals and drinks outside

No earlier than 17 May

Indoor hospitality can re-open
Outdoor performances such as outdoor threatre can re-open with social distancing measures in place
Some larger performances and indoor venues can begin, where capacity is not more than 1,000 people for indoor venues and 4,000 people for outdoor venues

No earlier than 21 June

Nightclubs can re-open
All large events and performances can take place without capacity restrictions