Residents urged to follow local measures as cases continue to rise in Pendle

Cases are continuing to rise in Pendle, in particular in Nelson and Brierfield, and everyone is being urged to do all they can to stop the virus spreading further.

Pendle currently has the highest rate of testing in the North-West and the highest number of positive cases in in the country.

While the local measures are in place, residents must not:

- have visitors to their home or garden

- visit anyone else in their home or garden

- mix with other households in indoor venues like pubs and restaurants

- visit a care home, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Coun. Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Coronavirus is spreading between households and within households so it’s really important that everyone follows these local measures.

“If we don’t, we’ll be heading for much stricter measures so please do all you can now to stop the virus spreading further!

“Stick to your household bubbles and do not have visitors to your home or visit people at their home.”

Everyone in Pendle is being urged to get tested, even if they have no symptoms.

Coun. David Whipp, deputy leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s really important that we identify people who may not have symptoms but who have the virus so they can take steps to stop it spreading.

“For anyone who has symptoms, or tests positive, it’s vitally important that you separate yourself from the rest of your household, especially if you share your home with elderly or vulnerable people.”

Residents can get tested at a mobile testing unit or community drop-in testing site. Results are returned more quickly from the mobile testing unit.

For up-to-date information on the sites and times, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coun. Nadeem Ahmed, added: “We understand it’s hard for young people who may feel isolated from their friends.

“We’re appealing to you to follow these measures for a while longer so that the virus isn’t passed on to other members of your household who may be more vulnerable than you.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of Public Health for Lancashire, said: "We all need to work together to reduce the spread.

“Covid affects all communities so it's really important to stay aware of the risks and follow the official guidance on how to stay safe.

“This will reduce the need for additional measures and help things to return to normal more quickly."

Dean Langton, chief executive of Pendle Council, said: “It’s vital that we all do everything we can to reduce the number of cases in Pendle so that we can protect our loved ones.

“Thank you to everyone who has been following the measures but we need to keep following them for now to bring the infection rate down in Pendle.”

Pendle Council is also reminding residents to:

- self-isolate for at least 10 days if you have symptoms or have tested positive. Everyone else in the household needs to stay at home for 14 days to stop the virus from spreading

- wash your hands regularly using soap and water and carry hand sanitiser when you go out

- keep 2m distance from people not in your household

- avoid handshakes and embracing when meeting others

- wherever possible, do your shopping online, pre-book appointments and use contactless payments

- wear a face covering in enclosed spaces including shops, supermarkets and public transport.