Pendle News Room

The Government has today confirmed that restrictions on household gatherings will continue in Pendle.

And they have underlined that other Pendle specific regulations which came into force on 31 July must still be followed as the number of cases in Pendle continues to rise.

This follows a review of all local restrictions yesterday by the Government and local councils in areas currently most affected by the coronavirus, including Pendle.

People in Pendle 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 it is an exceptional circumstance.

“It’s vital that people do not mix with other households,” said Councillor Iqbal.

“The Government is backing our approach and offering us more support, including more opportunities to get tested,” he said.

Pendle has had the highest increase in the rate of infection in the last seven days in the country and the percentage of positive tests remains high.

“The data shows that in our area, coronavirus is spreading between households and within households, particularly in the towns of Nelson and Brierfield,” explained Councillor Iqbal.

Deputy Leader, Councillor David Whipp said: “There is a real risk that Pendle could face another lockdown if people don’t follow the restrictions.

"The coronavirus rate of infection remains high.

“The rules for Pendle are law for a reason – we want to get the coronavirus under control, protect people from the virus and avoid another lockdown.

“People can be fined if they don’t follow the rules,” he warned

Councillor Iqbal added:

“In Pendle people do NOT have to have symptoms to get tested.  We are urging everyone to get a test.

“The coronavirus is still very much with us.  Tests are free and do not hurt.  Me and my family have all been tested,” he said.

Information on getting tested, what to do if you test positive or have symptoms, is on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus

“Anyone who prefers to book a test by phone can call the NHS on 119,” said Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, who is a ward councillor in Nelson.

“Rules for Pendle and Government advice on safe distancing, regulations on face coverings and guidance on handwashing are also on our website,” he said.

A new campaign is launching in Pendle including letters delivered to all homes in Nelson and Brierfield, messages sent direct to people’s mobile phones and door knocking in the most affected areas.

Pendle Council is working on the campaign with a task force of partners including the NHS, Lancashire County Council, Building Bridges Pendle and the police to reach all parts of the community.

Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council and Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, which is leading the response to coronavirus in the county, added:

"The rates of infection continue to rise in East Lancashire and Preston, and these measures announced today are necessary to protect residents.

"I know that these impositions on our lives are not easy and I want to thank everyone who has been following the rules; they are for your safety.

"We need to get the infections rate down and everyone must be responsible so that the additional measures can be lifted. If they do not go down, it is highly likely that more stringent measures will be put in place – something we all want to avoid. 

"Coronavirus is affecting all ages and all communities in Lancashire, so we all have to play our part. For people in the areas with additional restrictions you must abide by the rules.

"If you live anywhere in Lancashire you should continue to keep your distance from others, wear a face covering when you should, wash your hands regularly and engage with NHS Test and Trace if contacted.

"We might not be able to be together but we can work together for ourselves, our families, our friends, our communities and our Lancashire."

Minister for Health Edward Argar said:

“I’d like to thank everyone in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester for your continued patience in following these vital rules – I know it hasn’t been easy

“We know these measures do work and that’s been demonstrated in Leicester,” he said.

Full guidance has been published on gov.uk/DHSC