Stricter Lockdown Measures to Take Place in Blackburn, Pendle and Oldham

From Midnight this Saturday, those within the Blackburn, Pendle, and Oldham areas face further lockdown restrictions.  These measures have been introduced to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Official government statistics confirm that in the week ending 13th August, cases in Oldham reached 103.1 per 100,000 people. That same week, Blackburn reported 95.3 cases per 100,000 people, while Pendle reported 75.5.

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that residents from these areas must avoid social contact with anyone outside their households. This applies to any social event, even those held outdoors.

Blackburn, Pendle, and Oldham residents should:

• Not attend any social event outside their own household.
• Avoid using public transport for non-essential travel.
• Only invite a maximum of 20 people to weddings, civil partnerships, and funerals. Guests must be household members or immediate family.
• Only visit businesses (such as restaurants and shops) with members of their household.
• Reserve tables at restaurants in advance.

Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, states that ‘it is vital that everyone in these areas follow the advice of their councils, and abide by their local rules carefully’.

‘We need robust, targeted intervention where we see a spike in cases,’ Hancock says. ‘The only way we can keep on top of this deadly virus is through decisive action led by the people who know their areas best, wherever possible through consensus with a local area’.

Finally, he urges everyone to react sensibly if they have symptoms. ‘Remember, if you get any symptoms you can get a free test,’ he confirms.