Coronavirus: Tighter lockdown rules for Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley from next week

From Tuesday, September 22nd onwards, residents won't be allowed to socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens;

Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only; and late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

Only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work

Avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

The above does not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester where separate restrictions are already in place.

Individuals who are shielding in parts of North East Blackburn (8 wards are under local restrictions) will no longer need to from October 5th, bringing these wards into line with the rest of Blackburn with Darwen where shielding is already due to pause from September 21st.

In a statement released by the Department of Health and Social Care, it stated: "In close discussions with local leaders, the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), and the Chief Medical Officer for England have agreed to introduce local measures in several parts of the North and Midlands.

"This follows major increases in COVID-19 cases in large areas of the North West, Yorkshire and small parts of the Midlands which mean the following restrictions must be urgently brought in to clamp down on infections."

Earlier today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted that the Government wouldn't rule out a "circuit break" short-term national lockdown over the October half term, in a bid to bring coronavirus cases down before the pandemic spirals out of control.

Reacting to the restrictions, Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham, said: "I know this will be very difficult for local residents and whilst the data did show an improvement a few weeks, ago the number of cases, and ultimately hospitalisations from Covid-19 is now travelling in the wrong direction.

"It’s important that we stop this increase before it gets out of control and I'll continue to speak with the Health Secretary over the coming days to understand what extra measures we can put in place to stem the tide in Burnley and Padiham.

"These rules are those which the medical professionals feel is necessary to reverse this trend and stop transmission of the virus.

"As ever my office remains ready to help and I’d encourage anyone who has an issue to contact me through my website."