Preston's coronavirus rate has nearly halved in two weeks but local restrictions will remain in force

The number of people testing positive for coronavirus in Preston has nearly halved in the last two weeks, according to the city council.
Both Preston City Council and the director of public health for Lancashire say they are confident that if the city can demonstrate a further decrease in positive cases, the Government might be persuaded to lift local restrictionsBoth Preston City Council and the director of public health for Lancashire say they are confident that if the city can demonstrate a further decrease in positive cases, the Government might be persuaded to lift local restrictions
Both Preston City Council and the director of public health for Lancashire say they are confident that if the city can demonstrate a further decrease in positive cases, the Government might be persuaded to lift local restrictions

Between August 14 and August 24, Preston's infection rate has gone down from its peak of 43.7 cases to just 24 cases per 100,000, says Preston City Council.

Official Government figures show that 51 people have tested positive in the city during this same period. In total, there have been 1,407 confirmed cases in Preston since the pandemic reached Lancashire in March.

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On Tuesday (August 25), a total of 333 people volunteered to be tested at Preston Markets - the highest number of tests taken at any Lancashire testing site in a single day.

Preston's infection rate has nearly halved in the past two weeks, from a peak of 43.7 cases to just 24 cases per 100,000. Pic: PrestonPreston's infection rate has nearly halved in the past two weeks, from a peak of 43.7 cases to just 24 cases per 100,000. Pic: Preston
Preston's infection rate has nearly halved in the past two weeks, from a peak of 43.7 cases to just 24 cases per 100,000. Pic: Preston

Preston City Council said the figures are "extremely positive", but it has urged the city not to become complacent. It said that the additional local restrictions introduced by the Government on August 7 will remain in place until further notice.

But both the Council and the director of public health for Lancashire say they are confident that if the city can demonstrate a further decrease in positive cases and sustain the improved situation, the Government might be persuaded to lift local restrictions.

Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown said: "I am extremely proud of how well Prestonians have stepped up and taken the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the city.

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"If we can keep up this standard and demonstrate to Government that the numbers are continuing to fall, we will be in a strong position to request the lifting of the additional restrictions.

Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire's director of public healthDr. Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire's director of public health
Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire's director of public health

"To do this we still need everyone's help. Please still do your part and help us protect all our residents and communities by adhering to the restrictions in place. Let's do it for Preston."

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Director of public health for Lancashire County Council, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, added: "I am very pleased with the latest data - it demonstrates that we are heading in the right direction, thanks to everyone's combined effort.

"Well done to all Prestonians for your support so far, but please understand that it is not over yet and we still need your help.

"Coronavirus affects all of our communities. Please continue to do your part and stop the spread in Preston."