MORE than 700 cases of Covid have been reported in Cumbria this week.

The number of cases in county has increased from 612 last week to 717.

Barrow continues to have the highest number of new cases, currently standing at 194, however, the infection rate is starting to decrease over the previous week.

The rate of infection has gone down from 295 to 289 per 100,000.

This is providing an early indication that the local restrictions are having a positive impact.

The area’s infection rate remains the highest in Cumbria and well above the national average of 170 per 100,000.

The Health Protection Board agreed that Barrow should remain a High Alert area.

Carlisle also saw a large rise in new cases compared the previous week, up from 87 to 190.