Pendle News Room

But under the Government’s new rules which are being brought in on Monday (16 August), if you are not fully vaccinated you will still need to self-isolate.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “The rules are changing so that fewer people need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.

“This means testing is even more important because instead of self-isolating you will be encouraged to do a PCR test.

“This will help to detect positive cases and any variants of concern.

“Anyone who tests positive after a PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, even if you’ve been double vaccinated.”

Councillor Ahmed stressed the importance of getting both vaccinations to protect not only yourself, but your friends and families too.

He said: “Thank you to everyone who has been vaccinated. If you haven’t had your first or second yet – it’s not too late!

“It's really important to get both doses of your vaccine to get maximum protection against Covid-19.

“Walk-in vaccination centres are open at Barkerhouse and Taylors Pharmacies in Nelson, with no appointment or NHS number needed.”

Now that most restrictions have been lifted, regular testing remains critical to controlling the virus and keeping life moving in Pendle.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms, you need to self-isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

There are currently testing sites in Barnoldswick, Nelson and Colne.

Everyone in England is also encouraged to test themselves regularly using lateral flow tests.

For more information about lateral flow tests and to book a PCR test, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus