No change expected to borough’s coronavirus rules

No changes are expected to be made this week to Blackburn with Darwen’s coronavirus restrictions.

Parts of Blackburn were placed under tighter restrictions last week following discussions between the Government and Blackburn with Darwen Council, and this will be reviewed weekly.

Areas across North East Blackburn which have been designated as a protection zone are likely to remain ‘protected’ and be under strict extra local restrictions focussed on household social interactions.

It means people in these areas must not socialise with people they don’t live with.

Some businesses in this area such as gyms are also currently unable to re-open, and Blackburn with Darwen Council continues to highlight the plight of these premises.

The Council is lobbying government to allow these businesses in the protection zone to reopen.

The Council also is urging for greater financial support for businesses which have suffered during the lockdown.

The local coronavirus restrictions for businesses and residents in the South and West of Blackburn and in Darwen and rural areas were lifted on Wednesday, August 26.

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

It 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 Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said:

We did not expect any new changes this week and it is a positive move that no new restrictions have been placed on Blackburn with Darwen. We continue to campaign hard for the Government to take a targeted approach to the borough to help us bring down the number of cases and the spread of coronavirus and the continuation of this is welcome.

It is good news that 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 restricted area covering eight 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 and we 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 area your business or premises is in. You can check here.