BARROVIANS have been praised by Cumbria's public health chief for ‘helping to bring the virus back under control’.

Colin Cox made the comment as it was revealed restriction tiers were to go under review by the government with the results expected tomorrow.

The rate of infection in Barrow has stabilised in recent weeks, which could be thanks to the introduction of tier two restrictions in the town.

Mr Cox said: “The rates in Barrow have very much stabilised in the last week or two, and may even be starting to decline.

“We’re really grateful to everyone in Barrow who are supporting the new restrictions and helping to help bring the virus back under control.

“It’s really important that we all continue to do our bit by reducing our close social contact – this is what will prevent us moving into further lockdowns in future.”

Mr Cox said as a whole, the rates in Cumbria are on a rising trend.

In the county there have been 170 cases per week per 100,000 population, compared to the average of 200.

In Barrow, there are early indications that the rate of Coronavirus infections are starting to fall.

Mr Cox attributed this to residents in the town who are ‘taking this seriously’ and responding to restrictions. Whilst under tier 2 restrictions, people are unable to mix with other households in their own home, or whilst in any indoor location. The rule of six still applies when outdoors.

Mr Cox described the fact that people are now socialising less is the major thing that drives the control of the virus.

Tiers are currently under review, with government discussions taking place yesterday, and continuing today. The reviewing of tiers is not as straightforward as having a benchmark figure to move towards, as Barrow was asked to go to tier one when it was at 180 cases per week per 100,000 population.

South Lakeland is now said to be on a declining trend, with Mr Cox expressing his surprise.

He said: “Before I went on leave a couple of weeks ago I would have put money on South Lakeland going into tier 2 by the time I got back but it’s been on a declining trend.”