WHILE Covid has begun to lose its grip on communities across Cumbria one area is still yet to see a reduction in infection rates.

South Lakeland is only one of two areas in the North West that is still awaiting a reduction in its rate of Covid, which remains at 44 per cent.

The area has experienced a total of 104 cases as the week ending February 14.

This has gone up from 72 cases the week before.

With its population of 105,000 people, it is one of two areas that has not seen a reduction. The other area not to see improvement is Tameside which remains at 13 per cent.

Barrow has seen a successful 12% reduction in the infection rate for Covid.

Reductions have also been seen in Copeland by 7 per cent and Allendale by 28 per cent.

Further success has been seen in Carlisle with a 14 per cent reduction.

The most impressive reduction came from Eden with a lowering by 54 per cent.

REDUCTION: South Lakes one of two areas not to see a reduction

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: "It's encouraging to see the number of Covid infections dropping across Barrow.

"We have endured such tough times over the past year - no-one wants to be apart from their family, friends and our wider community.

"Our thanks go to every single resident for their efforts to stay at home and protect each other.

"It's vital we continue to follow the rules. We mustn't let complacency undo any of the progress we've made against this dreadful disease. Please keep going. We can get through this together."

Further success has been seen in Carlisle with a 14% reduction.

Labour Councillor for Carlisle Louise Atkinson said: “It is excellent to see the reduction and its thanks to our residents for following the guidance and keeping each other safe.

“It’s a combined effort between the reduction of the virus, the vaccine, and the joint effort from everyone. "

“It’s been the toughest of tough years but it’s starting to feel like we’re nearly there.”

The most impressive reduction came from Eden with a fall by 54% of the infection rate.

Eden Councillor Douglas Banks said: “The Council didn’t have a lot to do with it. It was the people. We have a very dispersed population and since the last lockdown we haven’t seen that many tourists up here which helped us a lot.

“It’s all down to our residents who followed the rules, did what they had to and kept each other safe.

“There was also some great work being done by Colin Cox who kept in touch with everyone and did a fantastic job.”