Pendle News Room

Councillor Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council said: “The rate of infection and the percentage of people testing positive is coming down in Pendle, but we are not complacent.

“We have tested more people than anywhere in the North West - over 15,000 people in Pendle have been tested so far and this approach is working.

“The Government is expected to confirm today that the restrictions for Pendle are still in place, including the local guidance residents in Nelson and Brierfield need to follow.

“We are urging everyone to please continue following the local measures in place to bring the down the percentage of people testing positive.

 “Thank you to everyone who is doing their bit to keep us all safe. Community support is vital so that we can work towards ending these restrictions as quickly as possible.”

Councillor David Whipp, Deputy Leader of Pendle Council, added: “It's disappointing that restrictions haven't been lifted in Pendle. Residents will be very frustrated at this but Pendle Council is doing all it can to change this and make lives easier for local people.

“We now have a local tracing scheme up and running and support for people having to isolate. Together with extra testing and community teams working on the ground we hope to stamp out the virus locally as soon as possible.

“With schools and colleges returning, it's so important that Covid-19 doesn't take off again in Pendle. The key to this is lowering the level of C19 infection.

“Reducing social contact between people is the most effective part of this and that's why the restrictions are there.

“I hope people will continue to be careful and not let down their guard before the epidemic is under full control locally.

“We can do this, but we all need to work together and follow the simple steps of hygiene, face coverings and making space for people.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: "I would like to thank everyone for playing their part in Pendle. I understand how difficult it has been and appreciate the sacrifices people have made.

"I would urge everyone to keep it up, stick to the rules, and get tested. And of course everyone should continue to practice social distancing, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering when they should and following the guidance given to them if contacted by NHS Test and Trace. This is the key to getting out of the restrictions which hopefully will be soon."

Details of how to get a test, including community drop in sites, are on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus along with guidance and rules for Pendle.