TWO East Lancashire boroughs have the second and third highest coronavirus infection rates in England, according to the latest figures.

Rossendale was found to have an infection rate of 159.5 per 100,000 people, while Hyndburn was at a rate of 156.7 per 100,000.

Both had seen significant increases, Rossendale rising from 60.2 last week and Hyndburn from 117.2.

Meanwhile Blackburn with Darwen has recorded an infection rate of 132.3, Burnley at rate of 137.2 and Pendle a rate 109.6.

All have recorded rises compared to last week.

This comes as Lancashire braces itself for stricter lockdown measures from Tuesday onwards, with new rules stipulating:

  • Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens
  • Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late-night operating hours will be restricted
  • Leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, are required to close between 10pm and 5am.
  • People are also advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
  • People must avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
  • People who are shielding in the eight Blackburn wards currently under local restrictions will no longer need to from October 5, bringing them into line with the rest of Blackburn with Darwen where shielding is already due to pause Monday.