The Lancashire town is among 29 areas being closely watched by NHS officials amid a spike in infection rates.

It comes as Preston became the latest UK city to come under tighter lockdown restrictions to halt the spread of the virus.

The restrictions – which forbid people from mixing with other households – mirror those imposed on East Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire on July 30.

Leicester was the first UK city to come under local lockdown and was unable to join the rest of the country when restrictions were eased on July 4.

Coronavirus news live According to the Public Health England watchlist, Blackburn has the highest infection rate in England, with 80.6 people per 100,000 displaying symptoms between July 27 and August 2.

Oldham comes in at number two with an infection rate of 65.4, while Leicester’s is 57.1 – though that figure is falling.

Areas on the list also suffering tighter restrictions include: Bradford, Calderdale, Pendle, Trafford, Manchester, Rochdale, Tameside, Salford, Kirklees, Stockport, Burnley, Bolton, Bury, Hyndburn, Rossendale and Wigan.

Areas of concern include: Swindon, Northampton, Peterborough, Sandwell, Bedford, Wakefield, Oadby and Wigston and Eden.

Luton is receiving ‘enhanced support’, while Preston, Swindon and Bedford were all listed as rising in the hotspot ranks.

Public Health England said the infection rate remained stable at a national level.

The official UK death toll stands at 46,566, with 404 new deaths reported between July 29 and August 4.

Boris Johnson has previously warned the UK is at risk of a ‘second wave’, urging Britons to remain vigilant to halt the spread of the virus.

The PM said he needed to ‘squeeze the brakes’ on lifting lockdown restrictions. He delayed the reopening of casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks.