Blackpool at less risk of local lockdown - but health chiefs warn public must help prevent further outbreaks of Covid 19

Proposals include the setting up of an outbreak management hub to swiftly react if cases do rise suddenly.

It comes as East Lancashire has seen lockdown measures tightened in response to a rise in new cases.

Blackpool Council’s director of public health Dr Arif Rajpura said he wanted to reassure residents Blackpool’s transmission rate was currently low compared to other areas, particularly those affected by the new restrictions.

During a recent seven day period there had been just six positive cases recorded in the town.

But he added future sporadic outbreaks could be expected in specific locations such as workplaces or schools.

Dr Rajura said: “Blackpool has done exceptionally well so far in controlling this virus and cases in Blackpool remain low.

“However, we are now moving into a different phase and quite a tricky one.

“We need to balance the reopening of our town and its economy and allow people to enjoy their new found freedoms with the need to very carefully control this virus.

“In order to do that and to support our communities and the national test and trace scheme we, along with other local authorities, have developed our outbreak management plan.

“We are working through this plan and are supporting workforces, schools, care homes and business throughout the town to take preventative measures, but also at the same time encourage and support them to plan what they would do if there was an outbreak and how they would handle that situation effectively.

“At this point we need everyone in Blackpool to work together and play their part.

“We can do this by staying two metres apart wherever possible, washing hands regularly and if you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus; a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a change of loss to taste or smell then isolate and get a test immediately.”

The Blackpool outbreak management hub will oversee the NHS test and trace system at a local level, co-ordinating the roles of government, the NHS, GPs, businesses and employers, voluntary organisations, other community partners, and the general public.

Work will include –

Local management of outbreaks in complex settings (care homes/schools/hostels)

Direct support to complex groups and households (e.g. homeless/shielded)

Proactive advice and guidance

Local engagement and intelligence gathering

Local communications

Care home testing/support and contact tracing.

Dr Rajpura said it was vital for people to continue to follow the guidance including wearing face coverings where required, washing their hands regularly and sticking to social distancing rules.

He said: “As restrictions are eased there is no risk free option as we head into the next phase.

“We as an area need to ensure we go into the next phase in a safe way and we are also trying to give businesses the confidence to open up safely.

“But the public has to support those businesses by social distancing, wearing face coverings where necessary and washing their hands.”

He added: “We can’t keep the economy locked up. The job losses which might result from people losing their livelihoods would have an impact on health.

“We don’t want to damage society and health for the long term – it’s about balancing Covid and non-Covid risk.”

The government has provided £300m for councils to carry out track and trace work.

National Test and Trace Adviser Tom Riordan, said: “Across the country, local authorities have done exceptional work to prepare their communities for

coronavirus outbreaks, protecting the most vulnerable and saving lives.

“I want to say thank you to all of those public health teams who are working to tackle outbreaks and develop wider plans to break the chain of the virus spreading in their local areas.”