Published Thursday 8 April 2021 at 15:04
Non-essential retail, hairdressers, gyms and other businesses and council services are set to reopen on Monday, April 12 in a boost to residents and the local economy – but as we start to welcome people back, Council bosses are urging caution in our bid to return to a more normal way of life.
From next week, pubs and restaurants can also reopen outdoors and weddings of up to 15 people and funerals of up to 30 people can go ahead. Overnight stays with your own household or support bubble will again be allowed and activities for children and indoor parent and child groups can recommence.
This move will see Blackburn with Darwen – and the rest of the country – enter step two of the Prime Minister’s roadmap for easing restrictions.
Step three, not before Monday May 17, could see restrictions ease further but the milestones set out can only be met if we all play our part and continue to follow the rules in order to meet the Government’s four tests for easing restrictions.
Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen, said:
Our transmission rates continue on an overall downward trajectory and we’re now seeing decreasing hospital admissions, which is great, but the borough’s rate is still the second highest in Lancashire and remains higher than other parts of the country. So, as restrictions continue to ease, it’s up to us all to keep on track and keep the virus under control.
Let’s support each other by following the hands, face, space, fresh air advice. Please also take up the free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing offer that’s been announced this week. ‘Test and Go’ before visiting shops, hairdressers, when eating and drinking outdoors from April 12 and at all further stages of the easing of restrictions. And when invited, please come forward to be vaccinated.
As part of step two of the roadmap, more Council services will also be able to resume with covid-control measures in place.
These include reception centres at Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls and 10 Duke Street, Gym and Pool services at Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre and Darwen Leisure Centre for members and PAYG users. All sessions must be pre-booked.
Blackburn Library, Darwen Library, Cherry Tree Library and Roman Road Library will also reopen from Monday 12th.
This page will be updated with links for more information as the services reopen.
Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the lifting of more of the restrictions was welcome – but urged people to remain vigilant.
Our community have sacrificed so much and we are so grateful. It will be a boost to see our town centres returning to life, more businesses coming back and council services restarting but we are still at a critical stage of the roadmap to recovery.
Let’s keep on track, stick to the rules and avoid any unnecessary risks. If we all keep doing what we can to lower transmission rates, restrictions can continue to ease and we can keep enjoying seeing things moving in the right direction.