Residents in Pendle urged to get Covid test even if they have no symptoms

Pendle Council chiefs issued the advice following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's road map announcement, and urged residents to get vaccinated when offered and follow other Covid safety restrictions.

Pendle residents must remain cautious they say, as the borough tries beat one of the highest rates of infection in the country.

Council leader, Coun. Mohammed Iqbal MBE, said: "Around one in three people who have Covid do not have symptoms and can still spread the virus.

"We are urging people to roll up and get vaccinated as soon as they asked by the NHS. These safe vaccinations are free and are the way out of the pandemic.

“Younger people who will have a longer wait need to be vigilant in following the hands, face, space, ventilate rules to protect others they care about who are more vulnerable to this deadly virus.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone for doing their bit to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Pendle. All our efforts are working and by sticking to the lockdown the rate of the virus in Pendle has dropped dramatically from nearly 900 per 100,000 people in January to 142.2 per 100,000 this week.

“We know it’s been a tough time but it has been worth it to reduce the spread. It’s thanks to us sticking to the rules that we can see light at the end of the tunnel and a step by step return to enjoying greater freedom and a vital boost for local jobs and our local economy."

Information on how to get a free test are on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus along with the Government restrictions and the roadmap into recovery.

Deputy leader, Coun. David Whipp added: "“We are proud of how Pendle people have played a big part in reducing the spread, including those who have shared their experiences in our campaigns to get life-saving messages across, but this is not the time to let down our guard and we are not out of lockdown yet.

“And even when some restrictions start to lift, we must continue to wear face coverings in places like supermarkets, shops, in taxis and public transport.

“It’s vital that we keep up with hand washing, carry sanitisers when out and open windows to allow fresh air into enclosed spaces to stop the virus from spreading.”