Published Friday 23 October 2020 at 16:18
Civic leaders in Blackburn with Darwen are urging residents to do their bit and help get the number of COVID cases down.
The numbers of cases in the borough is rising and Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council, said he is extremely worried about the situation especially the impact on the NHS during what is always a busy time.
Because of the number of new positive tests, the borough has risen to the top of the national list for rate of transmission.
The local NHS is also reporting that there are more people in hospital with COVID than in during the first wave although services are in a better position to cope with the pressure this time.
As part of efforts to inform residents about the severity of the situation, the Council is publishing more detailed data on its website including ward level data.
It is hoped it will help residents see what is happening in their neighbourhoods and take action accordingly.
Last week, the whole of Lancashire was put in the Very High Level tier to help get the virus under control.
Restrictions include residents not mixing with anyone they don’t live with.
Councillor Khan said:
I am extremely worried about the rising number of cases in the borough. We are seeing dozens of new positive tests every day.
The reasons for the rise are complex including the sometimes mixed messages from government.
I know most people have been trying to do the right thing but have often been confused by the different rules over the last few weeks.
But it’s clear that while most residents are following the rules, some are not and this has helped the virus to spread across the community.
This is having a huge impact on people’s lives and also health and care services.
Being under the highest tier also has a massive impact on the local economy which in turn harms people’s health and wellbeing.
I know people are sick and tired of COVID and want to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Hopefully, the new measures will be a bit more simple for people to follow. We have also managed to secure funding to complement these measures.
My plea to residents is follow the basic advice as we know that can make a really big difference in reducing the spread.
Also, please don’t listen to myths and disinformation out there about the current situation. It is very grave.
Please work with us and follow the restrictions.
Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, added:
The data is telling us that the virus is now spreading to our older population who we know are the most at risk.
We are seeing a big rise in the number of people in intensive care at the hospital because of COVID. In turn, this puts huge pressure on our A+E.
Yes, most people who contract the virus will be okay but a small but significant number of people of any age will suffer lung and heart damage, clots, strokes, extreme fatigue and death.
Let me be clear. Unless we get this virus under control, people will die unnecessarily or have horrible long-term effects.
I don’t want to see any more families have the tragedy of losing a loved one or people having to live with debilitating conditions. Please, work with us. Together we can beat the virus.
Dr Mark Dziobon, local GP and Medical Director for the Pennine Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups, said:
Locally, doctors are very concerned about the rising infection rates in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Covid-19 is a serious disease and there is still no cure or vaccine – sadly this means the number of people who die will increase.
While we have learned lots about this disease since the start of the pandemic – and new treatments are available – the long term effects can be debilitating – even for young, fit people who originally had mild symptoms.
Hospitals are continuing to provide care for non-Covid patients and it is important that anyone with concerns continues to come forward for help and treatment.
It’s no secret that, as infections rise, so do hospital admissions, that’s why it is really important that everyone takes action now to prevent more people getting sick from this disease.
The important role that we can all play is following local guidance, which has been put in place to protect us, and encouraging our families and friends to do the same.
Everyone should be thinking wash hands regularly, wear a face mask in enclosed public spaces and keep your distance from others.
If everyone plays their part to prevent the spread, collectively we can get through this.