‘Be cautious’ plea after local Covid cases rise

Blackburn with Darwen residents are being urged to remain cautious, after a rise in cases of Covid-19.

The rise is linked, in part, to a new Indian variant that spreads more easily.

As well as getting tested if you have symptoms, it is also vital that everyone in Blackburn with Darwen continues to follow the guidelines and the ‘Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air’ rules – as this is the most effective way to control the spread of all variants of coronavirus.

A number of cases of the Covid-19 variant first identified in India have been detected across the North West – in Bolton and Sefton – as well as in London. It has now been classified as a ‘Variant of Concern’, however there is currently no evidence that it causes more severe illness, is more deadly or makes the current vaccines any less effective. Public Health England is currently working to understand this variant better.

The advice to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen is to be cautious of this rise in cases locally, and continue to follow the government guidance.

People living in Blackburn with Darwen, are strongly encouraged to continue using free rapid testing twice weekly to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, especially during Eid.

There are plenty of places to get a test in Blackburn with Darwen, whether you have symptoms or no symptoms. Go here for more information. 

Following the identification of cases of this Variant of Concern, in Shear Brow & Corporation Park, Billinge & Beardwood and Bastwell & Daisyfield, Blackburn with Darwen Council is working closely with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace to develop a programme of additional PCR testing and enhanced contact tracing for these areas. Further details of this will be released in the next few days.

A joint statement from Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Khan CBE, Chief Executive Denise Park, and Director of Public Health Professor Dominic Harrison said:

We understand that people will be anxious to know that we have found cases of the variant first identified in India locally, but please don’t be overly worried – we expect the virus to mutate and variants are likely to be part of how we live with Covid-19. There is also currently no evidence that this variant causes more deaths, severe illness or escapes vaccines.

However it is now important to act by getting tested as soon as possible if you’re feeling under the weather, even if you don’t have the three classic symptoms of a fever, loss of taste or smell, or a cough.

Whilst the Prime Minister announced this week that we can progress to Step 3 of the government’s roadmap as planned next week, we need everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to be extra vigilant and proceed with caution. The variant first identified in India is more transmissible than other variants, which means it is easily passed on from one person to another.

It is important people who may be celebrating Eid this week do so safely, by following the rules and only meeting people not in their household outside.

If you’re making plans to meet up in with friends and family outside in parks and gardens this Eid, I would urge you to get a rapid test first to to protect your loved ones.

If you get a positive rapid test, you must get a confirmatory PCR test. And it is crucial that people and their households isolate if they are positive or have symptoms, or are a close contact of someone who tests positive.

We are appealing to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen – not just those in the three wards where cases are highest – to help protect your family, friends, workmates and community by following the hands, face, space, fresh air advice. And when invited, please come forward to be vaccinated – this is particularly important as there is no evidence that the current vaccines are not effective against the variant first identified in India.

International travel restrictions currently remain in place in the UK but if you’re someone who’s been legally permitted to fly, please make sure to closely follow the rules including those around self-isolation or quarantining on your return.

If you are told to self-isolate due to Covid-19, you might be eligible for a Test and Trace support payment. Find out more here.

The BwD Help Hub is still operating to support anyone who needs help while isolating. The Council and its hub partners can help with getting access to food and other essentials, as well as supporting your wellbeing and offering finance advice. Visit the Help Hub page or call 01254 588111.

Find out more information on testing in Blackburn with Darwen (under ‘how to get a test’.)