Covid-19 cases in Barrow have continued to rise over the weekend.

The number of positive cases in the town rose by 30 on Friday, and a further 45 on Saturday, bringing the cumulative total up to 7,268, according to figures by NHS England.

328 cases have been recorded in Barrow during the last seven days, which is a rate of 491.6 positive cases per 100,000 population.

This is above the England average of 352.5 positive cases per 100,000 population, recorded in the same time period.

Across the UK, 29,547 positive tests were recorded on Saturday, contributing to the 259,849 cases recorded during the latest seven days – a 5.9 per cent increase on the previous seven day period.

2,392 patients have so far been admitted to a hospital under the direction of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust – the trust which operates Barrow’s Furness General Hospital.

The latest hospital figures, made available on September 7, showed that 31 patients were in hospital at the health trust, and four were on ventilation beds.

The patients were among 1,063 admitted to hospitals in the UK.

No new coronavirus deaths had been reported in Barrow on Saturday.

Across the UK, 156 deaths were recorded on the same date.

The deaths were among 983 recorded in the last seven days.

This was a rise of 25.2 per cent on the previous seven day period.

According to the most recent vaccination data, as of Friday 49,952 people in Barrow had received their first vaccination.

By the same date, 45,913 people in Barrow had received their second dose.

This means 95,865 vaccinations have been given in the area.

Earlier this week Colin Cox, Cumbria's public health director, said: “Unfortunately, case rates continue to rise at a steady pace across Cumbria and as we’ve seen previously, this inevitably results in serious consequences including hospitalisations.

“Case rates are rising in almost all age groups but particularly so among those aged 12-18.

“As many will know by now, although the chances of someone in this age group falling ill or being hospitalised is low, it’s not impossible and the virus may then spread to more vulnerable family members.

“It’s clear the vaccine is having an impact however and keeping deaths and hospitalisations down.

“Therefore, I urge those who haven’t already to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you’re over the age of 16, visit the NHS website to find out to book your vaccine or find your nearest walk-in vaccination centre."