INFECTION rates across East Lancashire remain high – despite a fall in new cases across Blackburn with Darwen.

New figures showing the coronavirus infection rates for each local authority show fewer cases in Blackburn with Darwen.

In the seven days up to August 2, 120 new cases were reported across the area, a rate of 80.2 per 100,000 people.

The week before, 137 new cases of covid-19 were confirmed.

Despite the drop in infections, the area is still the most infectious in the UK, taking the top spot of all 315 local authorities.

Other areas of East Lancashire continue to see a high number of transmissions, with Pendle rising to be the second most infectious area in the country.

The borough has reported 57 new cases, for an infection rate of 61.9.

Hyndburn has dropped down to the 22nd spot on the list, with just 18 new infections reported – down from 26 the week before.

Nearby Preston remains an area of concern, as the 12th highest infection rate in the country.

This week, 41 new cases have been reported in the city, for a rate of 28.6 per 100,000 people.

Burnley is hot on its heels at 13th on the list, with 25 new cases, an infection rate of 28.1.