Published Monday 12 July 2021 at 18:32
Following the government’s decision to proceed with Step 4 on Monday 19 July, Council leaders have released the following statement.
Leader of the Council Coun Mohammed Khan CBE, Chief Executive Denise Park, and Director of Public Health Prof Dominic Harrison said:
“We recognise that while many people will be keen to return to normal, there will be others who feel anxious about legal Covid restrictions being removed from 19 July. We must all be sensitive to and respectful of how others are feeling, for example people who would prefer to stay socially distanced from others.
“As we move forward, the government has made it clear that the onus is now on individuals to behave responsibly, to think of others and do the right thing as we learn to live with Covid.
“While no longer legally enforceable, guidance still applies around mask-wearing in busy public places indoors. It is a good idea for everyone to continue to carry a face covering for use in higher risk situations, such as on crowded public transport, or when around vulnerable people to help protect them.
“The fundamental infection control measures that we’ve all become used to, such as face coverings, good hand hygiene, social distancing and meeting outdoors where possible, will undoubtedly have played a role in driving down Blackburn with Darwen’s Covid case rates.
“We have made great strides over the last few weeks – thanks to everyone’s efforts getting vaccinated, testing regularly and following the basic guidance.
“But cases in the borough are still high, and so we must be cautious as we move to Step 4.
“Nobody wants to see our rates increase again or tighter restrictions be imposed. That’s why we are encouraging local residents to continue to follow the government advice and guidance around living with Covid, and continue to use some infection control measures like wearing face coverings in public indoor places, even though they won’t be law after July 19th.
“As the Prime Minister stated earlier, the pandemic is not over yet. We all need to continue to work together to protect one another and move forward cautiously.”
Details on the guidance for customers visiting Council buildings will be released in the coming days.
From this week, many local residents who got vaccinated in May during a surge vaccination drive are due for their second doses.
Several local vaccination sites are offering second doses – with both walk-ins and pre-bookable appointments available. There’s more detail available here.