Council leader urges public to abide by new rules on household gatherings in Pendle

The rules came into force at 12.01am today in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, which includes Pendle, to stop the spread of coronavirus.

This means that people in these areas are not permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.

It also extends to meeting people you don’t live with or who aren’t in your social bubble in indoor venues, such as pubs and restaurants and outdoor beer gardens.

It does not apply to public spaces, such as parks, where people can meet up to five other people if they maintain social distancing.

People can travel to work and go on holiday with their household members but must not travel to other parts of the county or country to meet up with other people.

And people should not be visiting care homes unless it’s in exceptional circumstances.

The Government will sign new regulations to make the changes to household gatherings legally enforceable.

Coun. Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said this eleventh hour decision by Government came as a surprise with no advance warning.

He said: “This is a stark reminder that coronavirus is still with us.

“We know that this will be particularly disappointing for our Muslim community who are preparing to celebrate Eid this weekend.

“But coronavirus can affect anyone in our community and we all have a duty to do everything we can to keep everyone safe.

“Please do not have visitors to your home or visit anyone else at their home.”

For more information about the new rules for Pendle visit – www.pendle.gov.uk/covidpendle

Pendle residents are being urged to get tested even if they have no symptoms to identify those who are not aware they are carrying the virus.

There are three ways to get a free test:

- Book a test at a mobile testing unit which are rotating around four sites - Nelson, Barnoldswick, Colne and Brierfield (11am – 6pm)

- Visit a community drop-in testing site in Nelson or Brierfield town centre (10-30am - 3pm)

- Request a home testing kit

For more information, to book a test at one of the mobile testing units in Pendle, or request a home testing kit visit www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus

Residents are also reminded to:

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

- wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces – including shops and supermarkets

- regularly wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser.