Blackburn with Darwem has become the epicente for COVID in the UK.

Blackburn beats Bolton to become new hotspot for COVID in the UK. They have overtaken Bolton to become the number one area for cases of coronavirus. Data published by Public Health England (PHE) saw Blackburn record 584 new cases in the week ending 26th May.

This figure means that Blackburn has 390.1 cases per 100,000 against Bolton with 386.7 cases. Bolton has seen a slight decline in cases which suggests that it has already hit a peak.

Both towns have seen the most cases of the Indian variant in recent weeks. A joint statement was issued on Wednesday by Denise Park, the Chief Executive of the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, local public health director Dominic Harrison and council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan, saying the area had experienced “more cases than many other areas mainly related to the variant of concern first identified in India.

And so it remains vitally important we all continue to exercise caution and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves.”

They have urged everyone over the age of 18 to check their validity to receive a vaccination and come forward as soon as possible.

They said “It’s also vital everyone comes forward for their second dose at the correct time with latest PHE stats showing high degrees of protection against variants after the full course.”