Preston’s coronavirus infection rate is continuing to be within the top 10 in England, although the reduction in cases continues.

Latest figures showed Preston recorded 23 new cases during Tuesday (2 March).

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South Ribble saw 18 new coronavirus cases on the same day.

Ribble Valley was up by eight cases, Fylde with 12, Wyre with just five and Chorley recorded 16 new cases.

Preston’s infection rate is currently the ninth highest in England at 178.9 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to February 26, down from 231.3 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to February 19.

Data for the most recent four days (February 27-March 2) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases and all data is from the Public Health England Covid dashboard.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

South Ribble’s Covid infection rate is now 145.3, down from 165.2 for the same two date periods as Preston.

Wyre’s rate is 74.9, down from 113.3 and Fylde is 113.9, down from 128.7.

Ribble Valley’s infection rate is also below 100 now, at 95.3, down from 139.6 and Chorley has dropped to 99.8, down from 149.7.

Read more: Preston residents who cannot work from home urged to get a Covid test

Downing Street intervenes to clarify mask-wearing in schools

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said Downing Street had stepped in to say primary school children did not need to wear masks in the classroom.

The guidance came after a council in London had told primary schools that pupils should be advised to wear masks.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Children in primary schools should not be asked to wear face coverings when they return to school on March 8.

“Face coverings are only necessary for pupils in year seven and above.”

Read more: Preston residents aged 60 to 63 urged to book Covid vaccination

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesman said: “Our guidance is clear: face coverings are only necessary for pupils in year seven and above and we are in contact with the council on the matter.”

Last week, schools minister Nick Gibb confirmed that face coverings in secondary schools in England will not be compulsory when pupils return to class on March 8, but he said they were “highly recommended”.

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