Almost half Covid deaths in last quarter

ALMOST half of the 113 Covid-19 deaths in Rossendale took place in the final quarter of 2020, with 12 in Haslingden alone during the ‘second wave’ of the tragedy between October and the end of the year.

There were 55 deaths from the virus in the Valley in the last three months of the year, compared to 58 in the first seven months of the pandemic.

Overall, Helmshore remains the worst area for the coronavirus-related tragedy with 21 deaths, 15 in April and May.

The figures exclude January 2021. According to the gov.uk dashboard as of January 28, there have been 123 deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate, including seven in past week.

On a more positive note, the infection rate locally is slowing as Lockdown 3 appears to be having the expected impact.

There were 267 new infections in Rossendale in the seven days to January 23 - a drop of 27.8 from the previous week.

Deaths caused by coronavirus in 2020:

Helmshore 21 deaths (6 since October), Rawtenstall 15 deaths (8 since October), Whitworth 15 deaths (6 since October), Haslingden 14 deaths (12 since October), Ramsbottom 14 deaths (7 since October), Waterfoot & Stacksteads 13 deaths (5 since October), Townsend Fold & Edenfield 9 deaths (5 since October), Bacup 6 deaths (2 since October), Crawshawbooth, Reedsholme & Water 6 deaths (4 since October).