THE 45 to 59-year-olds age group was had the highest number of coronavirus cases in the council's latest breakdown of St Helens statistics which show a slight overall decrease in infections.

St Helens Council released its latest breakdown, which include cases between October 9 and 15.

There were 732 cases in the period, which is a rate of 407 per 100,000. This is slightly lower than the rate of 428.6 previously reported for cases up to October 12 and the 429.7 for up to October 13.

By date of specimen, five of the seven days saw more than 100 positive COVID-19 cases.

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By area, Haydock ward saw a rise in cases, as 59 were recorded in the period, which equates to a rate of 511.3 per 100,000.

Rainhill still had the highest number of cases, albeit reduced to 64 at a rate of 584.7.

Haydock, West Park, Windle, Blackbrook, Sutton and Eccleston all saw at least 50 cases in the seven-day period.

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Rainford remains the ward with the lowest number of cases, 18 which is the lowest rate at 233.6 per 100,000.

Newton and Billinge and Seneley Green wards are the other two to have infection rates of less than 300 per 100,000.

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By age, the 45 to 59 group saw the most cases with 200, slightly higher than the 30 to 44 group which had 183.

Meanwhile, 18 to 29-year-olds accounted for 132 cases as did the 60 to 79 category.

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Children (nought to 17) made up 61 of the cases and those aged 80-plus have accounted for 27 COVID-19 cases.

By sex, 386 (52.52 per cent) were female, 346 (47.07 per cent) male and three (0.41 per cent) were unknown.