The Preston areas where Covid rates have risen as pubs reopen Here are the Preston areas where Covid infections are on the rise in the second week of May as drinkers return to pubs Lockdown is gradually lifting in Preston and across Lancashire - but there are some areas where coronavirus cases are rising. Friday, 21st May 2021, 9:13 am And although case rates have predominantly fallen across the country, the so-called Indian variant is fast becoming a cause of concern for the Government with infections identified across the UK. There are fears the roadmap out of lockdown could be threatened by the new variant.