Preston’s coronavirus infection rate has begun to rise again in the latest week-on-week comparisons as the vaccination rollout hit a new milestone.
New coronavirus cases for Tuesday (27 April) showed 21 new cases recorded in the city.
South Ribble saw 10 new cases on the same day.
Fylde recorded no new cases, Ribble Valley also saw no new cases, Chorley up by nine cases and Wyre also recorded no new cases.
Infection rate data showed Preston’s rate was 35.6 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to April 23, up from 30.7 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to April 16.
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Data for the most recent four days (April 24-27) has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.
South Ribble dropped again, down to 17.1 from 27.1 for the same two date periods.
Ribble Valley’s rate is 9.9, down from 14.8 and Wyre is now at 8.9, down from 16.1.
Fylde’s rate of 8.7 is down from 14.9 and Chorley dropped to 31.3, down from 35.5.
Read more: 22 areas of Preston and South Ribble see fewer than three cases in seven days to April 21
Health secretary Matt Hancock has praised the NHS’ “terrific effort” of fully vaccinating a quarter of the adult population.
The Department of Health and Social Care said that health services across the UK have now administered a total of 47,045,391 vaccines. This includes 13,201,811 second doses.
“This latest milestone is a terrific cause for celebration – over a quarter of all adults across the UK, including those most vulnerable to Covid-19, have now had two jabs, meaning they have received the strongest possible protection,” Mr Hancock said.
“There is undeniable evidence that vaccines are saving lives, significantly reducing hospitalisations and deaths. I urge all those who are offered an appointment to get their jab and join the millions of people who now have protection from this terrible disease.”
See the latest coronavirus stats and information near you
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “This is a huge achievement made possible by the tireless work of so many across our country.”
Meanwhile the NHS coronavirus vaccine booking system was extended for the second time in two days to allow more healthy adults in their 40s to book their jab.
People in England who are aged 42 and over, or those who will turn 42 before July 1, can now arrange their vaccine appointment through the national booking website.
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