THE number of people contracting deadly COVID-19 continues to rise across East Lancashire with 91 new cases reported over the last three days.

The figures for Friday, Saturday and Sunday show almost a hundred new cases of coronavirus, with all six of East Lancashire’s boroughs recording an increase.

The highest number of new infections was in Blackburn with Darwen, where 38 cases were confirmed – bringing the borough’s total number to 1538 or 1,027.4 per 100,000.

Next is Pendle, reporting 38 new cases to Public Health England. Now, 675 people have tested positive, with an infection rate of 732.8 per 100,000.

Reporting the third highest rise was Burnley, which now has 516 cases after the addition of 13 new positive test results. The infection rate there is 594.9 per 100,000.

The Ribble Valley reported two new cases and now has seen 210 people test positive for COVID-19 in the borough, while there was just one new case in Rossendale, bringing the total there to 304.

They have infections rates of 344.9 and 425.3 per 100,000 respectively.

On Friday it was heard how tough new coronavirus restrictions on gatherings in five East Lancashire boroughs will stay in place for at least another week.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the existing rules remained in force in Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale as Covid-19 infection rates remained high as he added Preston to the list .

They mean East Lancashire residents still cannot have others in their homes and gardens, you cannot visit other people’s homes or gardens, even if they are in an unaffected area, and are not permitted to mix with other household in indoor venues. Social bubbles are exempt from these restrictions.

Mr Hancock said the rules would be reviewed again on Friday.

Professor Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen’s public health director, backed the extension of the restrictions as necessary to avoid a Leicester-style full second lockdown. His extra guidelines for Covid-19 safety in the borough also remain in place.

Mr Hancock’s announcement came as a third coronavirus testing station in Blackburn opened at Corporation Park in Blackburn (close to the gatehouse on Preston New Road) in addition to those in Old Bank Lane in Blackburn, outside the Royal Blackburn Hospital and at Audley Sports Centre.

He said: “The past week has been difficult for many people in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, and I thank everyone in these areas for their patience and willingness to follow the rules.

“Unfortunately, the data does not yet show a decrease in the transmission of this terrible virus. It means we must keep the current restrictions in place to allow more time for the impact of this ban on indoor gatherings to be felt, and make sure local residents and their loved ones are protected.

“We are also extending these restrictions to Preston. We are constantly examining the data on the prevalence of the virus in these areas, and we will review the measures again next week.”

Prof Harrison said: “The new announcements yesterday do not make a significant difference to the existing regulations underway within Blackburn with Darwen – which we currently expect to be in place at least until August 19.

“I offer Preston residents my commiserations at now being brought into the wider group of local authorities in the north of England who have rising rates and additional Covid-19 control measures in place.

“These measures are essential early preventative measures to avoid further economic lockdown measures.

 

“They are difficult for us all but they will save both lives and livelihoods in the long run – I would urge everyone to support the measures outlined and take all actions required to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus.”

His Lancashire County Council counterpart Dr Sakthi Karunanithi said: “In the past week, the number of positive cases in Preston has increased significantly and it is extremely important that we act now to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

“The evidence is clear, we all need to take extra precautions to protect our loved ones. Coronavirus affects all communities and we all need to do our part to prevent the spread from continuing rise.

“I also want to be clear that this is affecting people from both south Asian and white ethnic backgrounds, particularly those living in poor socio economic conditions in our city. We need to avoid mixing between households and to maintain 2m social distancing particularly in pubs and clubs.”

The existing restrictions will continue to apply to the whole of Greater Manchester and parts of West Yorkshire.

Residents can meet in groups of up to six in outdoor areas such as parks and beer gardens. Households can also visit indoor hospitality venues.

Preston has been designated an ‘area of intervention’ by government following a spike in cases.