Published Friday 21 August 2020 at 16:30
A targeted approach to reducing the spread of Coronavirus in Blackburn with Darwen has been announced.
The move will see eight of the borough’s 17 wards falling under new strict restrictions, including a ban on residents socialising with anyone they don’t live with.
Due to low and decreasing levels of Coronavirus cases, all other areas in the borough will have local intervention restrictions lifted from Wednesday, August 26.
The Council campaigned for the local approach with speculation that a full economic lockdown would be imposed in Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle.
The eight wards are those with the highest rates of infection – you can view a map here.
They include:
- Audley and Queens Park
- Blackburn Central
- Roe Lee
- Billinge and Beardwood
- Bastwell and Daisyfield
- Shear Brow and Corporation Park
- Little Harwood and Whitebirk
- Wensley Fold
Residents can check which ward they live in by clicking here.
Anyone living in these areas will not be allowed to meet with family and friends from outside their household.
This does not prevent people from shopping, going to work or attending childcare settings including schools which open from September 1.
But it does mean any social activities indoors and outdoors can only be shared with those living in the same house.
They are also advised to avoid using public transport, unless it’s for essential journeys – including going to and from work and school.
The numbers of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships and funerals will be limited to 20.
Local restaurants will also be encouraged to halt walk-ins, and only seat people who make reservations in advance, up to a maximum of six people per table.
A stronger enforcement of covid-secure measures in workplaces will be undertaken.
The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said:
We have been campaigning hard for Government to take a targeted approach to reducing the spread of Coronavirus in our borough.
We know that our residents have been making huge sacrifices and that businesses are struggling – we desperately needed to prevent the threat of a full, borough-wide lockdown as this would have been devastating.
Today’s announcement means we can continue with our important work of fighting this infection at a really local level – focusing our resources and efforts in the places that need it most.
We’re sorry that for some this will mean extra restrictions, but they are incredibly important in our fight against this terrible disease and to ensure our residents are safe and can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love.
The same local intervention measures are also being introduced in parts of Pendle and Oldham.
Councillor Khan added:
It is now vital that residents living in the eight wards study the latest guidance and follow it carefully.
It’s also important that as a borough we don’t become complacent as this infection knows no boundaries.
I want to reassure those affected by the tighter restrictions that we will work closely with them to help them through this and will be continuing with the targeted work around testing and enforcement.
One of the best ways that we can beat this virus is for residents to get tested, even if they aren’t showing symptoms, so that we can track cases and control the spread.
We will also continue to work hard to ensure the right support is in place for our residents and businesses and we are lobbying Government for extra financial help.
“We do not want to see any of our residents struggle during these incredibly difficult times and ask all residents to play their part in having these restrictions lifted quickly.
Residents who are living in wards where the local intervention restrictions have been removed are asked to follow the national guidance.
You can find a full list by clicking here.
You can help control the virus by adhering to social distancing, washing hands regularly, wearing a mask when you should and by getting tested even if you don’t have symptoms, but especially if you do.
If contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolate and provide the details for follow-up.
For further information, please visit: blackburn.gov.uk
The website will be updated with details of the latest measures as soon as we have confirmation from Government.