BARROW'S Covid infection rate is the fourth highest in England as the country fights the virus's 'fifth wave'.

According to the latest available data, the borough continues to see infection rates greater than many other parts of the country and the highest in Cumbria.

The area's rolling infection rate stands at nearly double the national average with cases continuing to rise.

Barrow's infection rate stands at 235.3 cases per 100,000 people, according to government data. 

The only local authority areas with a worse rate are Wokingham, South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge.

Some 157 cases were recorded in Barrow in the last seven-day period for which figures are available.

According to the most recent data, 51 Covid-19 patients are currently in Morecambe Bay hospitals.

Barrow has also seen the third highest infection rate in England throughout the pandemic following 25,578 recorded cases. 

This could be due to mass testing at BAE Systems.

Scientists have warned a new wave of infections has begun as two Covid sub-variants have led to a surge in cases.

More than 1.7 million people now have the virus in the UK, a 23 per cent weekly increase, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics.

That rise is largely due to the omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, the ONS said.

Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief medical adviser, said: “It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks.

“We have seen a rise in hospital admissions in line with community infections but vaccinations are continuing to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels.

“As prevalence increases, it’s more important than ever that we all remain alert, take precautions, and ensure that we’re up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations, which remain our best form of defence against the virus.

“Our data also show that 17.5 per cent of people aged 75 years and over have not had a vaccine within the past six months, putting them more at risk of severe disease. We urge these people in particular to get up to date."

Cumbria's director of public health Colin Cox suggested earlier this month that people 'shouldn't be too worried' about a new Covid because of low numbers of deaths and hospital admissions.