CORONAVIRUS cases have significantly increased in Hyndburn over the past week, according to new government figures.

Tuesday’s update of the rolling seven-day rate of new Covid-19 cases revealed that Hyndburn has seen its infection rate rise from just 4.9 to 32.2 over the last week, with closeness to Blackburn and Pendle a possible factor.

The infection rate refers to the number of new cases per 100,000 people, with data collected in the seven days leading up to July 18.

Blackburn remains top while Hyndburn is now seventh and Pendle is eighth. 

A statement issued by Hyndburn Borough Council said: “Blackburn with Darwen has been identified as an area with higher than average transmission rate of Covid-19 in England and Pendle have seen a recent increase in case numbers.

“Given the close proximity of these areas to Hyndburn we are urging residents to stay alert and follow guidelines at all times to prevent transmission in our community.”

It added: “The threat of Coronavirus has not gone away and we must remain alert at all times.

“It is vital that we work together to follow all guidelines and keep our community safe.”

This marks the first significant rise in an East Lancashire borough other than Blackburn or Pendle since lockdown restrictions started to ease.

Blackburn with Darwen’s infection rate meanwhile, has risen from 47.7 to 78.6 over the same period.

This leaves Blackburn with Darwen with the highest rate of infections in the country, with Hyndburn seventh.

Pendle meanwhile remains listed as an area of concern.

The council statement said: “On behalf of everyone at Hyndburn Borough Council, thank you for your continued support during this difficult time.

“As we battle with the threat of a novel virus and work through this global pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring facilities are Covid-secure, people are supported, and vital information is communicated as quickly as possible.”

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Top 20 places for coronavirus infection rates

(The rate of new cases in the seven days to July 18, followed by the equivalent figure for the previous seven days to July 11)

1. Blackburn with Darwen 78.6 47.7

2. Leicester 73.8 125.6

3. Oadby and Wigston 68.4 38.6

4. Rochdale 46.8 40.5

5. Bradford 41.1 36.1

6. Eden 34.0 7.6

7. Hyndburn 32.2 4.9

8. Pendle 30.6 79.9

9. Luton 29.4 23.8

10. Kirklees 28.3 30.1

11. Northampton 27.1 22.7

12. Carlisle 24.0 21.2

13. Herefordshire 23.9 37.5

14. Rotherham 23.4 16.6

15. Sandwell 22.3 8.6

16. Eastbourne 22.3 24.2

17. Ashford 21.7 11.6

18. Calderdale 20.9 21.4

19. Peterborough 20.9 35.8

20. Wakefield 20.0 16.8