Coronavirus restrictions lifted in parts of the borough from today

Blackburn with Darwen Council is pleased to confirm the current local coronavirus restrictions for businesses and residents in the South and West of Blackburn and in Darwen and rural areas have been lifted from today (Wednesday, August 26.)

Government legislation has been passed bringing large parts of the borough, including the whole of Darwen, in line with most of the rest of England.

It means also means indoor leisure facilities, gyms and close contact beauty services can reopen in these areas.

Residents in these areas will be able to meet in homes and gardens but must ensure they stick to all the relevant national guidance and limits on gatherings of individuals and households.

Shielding continues across the whole borough and will be reviewed again ahead of September 7^th.

The news also means Darwen Leisure Centre will be able to reopen, with a planned date of Tuesday, September 1. Bookings will be available from this Friday, August 28. Further updates and information are available on the Darwen Leisure Centre Facebook page and website. 

The Government announced at the end of last week a targeted approach to reducing the cases of Covid-19 in Blackburn with Darwen.

Eight wards still remain ‘protected areas’ under strict extra local coronavirus restrictions.

The restrictions in these area are focussed on household interactions and guidance on other issues and activities will be updated as soon as clarity comes from Government.

The Council is also asking for support from Government for businesses to reopen in these areas and are awaiting feedback later this week.

Blackburn with Darwen is a covid-secure borough. 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 the Council’s website.

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 and so I am delighted they have listened.

This is wonderful news and means residents in large parts of the borough can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love and businesses, who haven’t been able to operate since March, can finally reopen – all obviously whilst complying with relevant national guidance.

Whilst this will come as very welcome news in large parts of the borough, at the same time my heart goes out to all those in the eight affected wards. The strict restrictions in place are focussed on household interactions and are incredibly important in our fight against this terrible disease. My message is please adhere to the rules and together we will beat this and bring you in line with the rest of the borough.

We are lobbying for support from Government for businesses to reopen in these areas will update on this as well as guidance on other issues and activities in those areas as we get clarity.

Please read the Government guidance on the safe re-opening of business and premises.

It is very important that you know which Ward your business or premises is in. You can check here.