Preston’s coronavirus infection rate sees small rise and now third highest in England

Choppy waters at Preston Docks Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston’s coronavirus infection rate has increased very slightly as it remains within the highest infection rates in England.

New Covid cases for Friday (12 March) recorded in Preston were 29.

South Ribble saw 16 for the same day.

Ribble Valley was up by 10 cases, Fylde at 11 new cases, Chorley recorded 17 new cases and Wyre nine new cases.

Preston’s infection rate is now the third highest in England, at 150.2 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to March 8, up from 148.8 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to March 1.

Data for the most recent four days (March 9-12) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.

See the latest coronavirus stats and information near you

Ribble Valley’s infection rate also grew week-on-week, up to 92 from 59.1 for the same two date periods as Preston.

South Ribble saw a small increase to 113.7, up from 111.9.

Wyre dropped to 48.2, from 57.1 and Fylde dropped to 74.3, down from 97.8.

Chorley’s rate declined to 61.8, from 87.1.

World Health Organisation say AstraZeneca jab is not linked to blood clots

The director general of the World Health Organisation has said the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine should continue to be used.

The WHO has moved to say there was no indication of a link between the jab and blood clots.

See the latest coronavirus vaccine stats and information

Speaking via videoconference in Geneva, WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “As countries roll out Covid-19 vaccines, WHO is continuing to keep a close eye on their safety.

“WHO is aware that some countries have suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccines based on reports of blood clots in some people who have received doses of the vaccine from two batches.

“This measure was taken as a precaution while a full investigation is finalised.

“It’s important to note that the European Medicines Agency has said there is no indication of a link between the vaccine and blood clots and that the vaccine can continue to be used while its investigation is ongoing.”