Preston coronavirus rate remains above 100 as city enjoys hot Spring day and restrictions easing

Sitting out in the sun in Avenham Park - friends meet up in the city Pic: Tony Worrall — Sitting out in the sun in Avenham Park – friends meet up in the city Pic: Tony Worrall

While the sun was shining on the hottest March day in 53 years the latest coronavirus cases and infection rates were released with Preston staying above 100 cases per 100,000 people.

Preston recorded 17 new coronavirus cases for Tuesday (30 March).

South Ribble was up by seven cases for the same day.

Wyre was up by three cases and Chorley saw a spike of 21 new cases.

Fylde recorded just two cases and Ribble Valley saw six new cases.

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Preston’s infection rate is now 105.5 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to March 26, up from 88.7 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to March 19.

Data for the most recent four days (March 27-30) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

South Ribble saw the infection rate fall to 64.1, down from 91.2, for the same two date periods as Preston.

Wyre’s rate is down to 41, from 50 and Fylde is now down to 55.7, from 65.6.

Chorley continues to rise, up to 66.8 from 55.8 and Ribble Valley is down to 57.5 from 82.1.

Preston bathes in Spring sunshine as Prime Minister urges people to remain cautious

The view in Avenham Park during Tuesday Pic: Tony Worrall

The Prime Minister has urged people to remain cautious as the relaxation of lockdown measures in England coincides with an ongoing “exceptionally warm” spell of weather.

Across the country on Monday, people made the most of sunny conditions and the easing of rules which means groups of up to six, or two households, are now able to socialise in parks and gardens while outdoor sports facilities can reopen.

The lifting of some restrictions saw golfers return to the fairways and swimmers take the plunge in outdoor pools as temperatures rose.

Avenham and Miller Parks, along with other parks across Preston and South Ribble, were busy with those enjoying the new easing of lockdown restrictions to catch up with friends and soak up some sun.

Mr Johnson told a Downing Street briefing on Monday: “I know how much Government has asked of the people in the last year, but I also know how magnificently – incredible patience and fortitude – people have responded.

“It’s my view, overwhelmingly, people are determined to continue to do that and they do understand the need for caution.”