The latest figures show that Covid-19 cases are continuing to rise across the county - though Barrow remains the major focus of concern for authorities.

There were 105 confirmed new cases of Covid-19 recorded across the county in the week ending September 18.

This was a rise from 82 cases recorded the previous week.

For the third week running, Barrow had the highest number of new cases of all Cumbrian districts, with 38 out of the total of 105.

Barrow’s infection rate continues to be well above the national average with 57 cases per 100,000 compared to 35 per 100,000 for the whole of England.

For the week ending September 18, there were 16 new cases identified in Allerdale, eight in Carlisle, 15 in Copeland and 11 in Eden, as well as 17 in South Lakeland.

The greatest growth in the number of positive cases from the week ending September 11 to September 18 was in Copeland - of 150 per cent, though it must be noted that this was a growth from six cases to 15.

Carlisle saw no week-on-week growth in the number of new cases.

With the exception of Barrow, the number of new cases being reported in the county continues to be significantly below other areas in the north west.

New cases continue to be most common on the 15-29 years age group, but with increasing evidence of spread amongst older age groups.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, stressed that the numbers of new cases identified across Cumbria were going in the “wrong direction”, something he said was of “real concern”.

“The Government has introduced new measures this week to try and stem the increase, but it remains to be seen whether they will have any impact,” he said.

“It remains the case that wearing a face covering, washing hands and maintaining social distancing are the key things we should all be doing.

“Generally for the whole of the county, if people can take steps to limit their social contact that will help slow the spread of infection.

“We know its not what people want, but acting now could help us avoid formal restrictions being imposed.

“I’d also like to repeat my call for people to download the new NHS Test and Trace App that was launched today.

“The more people using it, the more effective it will be in helping control the virus.”

The app can be downloaded for both iOS and Android phones.