ALMOST one in three of the new Covid-19 cases across Cumbria are people between the ages of 15 and 29 - however overall figures are continuing to fall.

On Thursday Cumbria County Council released the latest figures, that revealed there were 28 confirmed cases to the week ending on August 21.

That was down from 60 the week before.

According to the council's statistics, Carlisle continues to have the highest number of new cases among the Cumbria districts, however figures in the north are also down.

Cumbria's Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said the evidence is pleasing at a time when figures show the virus is on the rise again in other parts of Europe.

And despite the drop in figures, he has warned that people still need to remain vigilant to prevent the spikes that are popping up in different countries.

He said: "I’m pleased to see a significant drop in the number of new cases this week, but as ever we must remain cautious.

“Evidence coming from elsewhere in Europe is showing the virus on the increase again, significantly so in some cases. If we want to avoid that here, then people must continue to stick to the guidance.

"The virus is far from beaten and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

"This week’s figures highlight that more young people, aged 15-19, are catching the virus than any other age group.

"We know young people are generally more socially active, and for them symptoms are usually mild – but the danger is that they spread it to older more vulnerable family members who are more at risk.

“The simple advice is wash your hands, cover your face and make space. If everyone keeps doing that we’ll keep the virus in check.”

The authority is still urging people to take the following steps on a daily basis.

Wash or sanitise hands regularly, observe social distancing rules and wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces, including taxis.

If people do have symptoms they are urged to still isolate and get tested as soon as possible, and if advised to self isolate if asked.