No coronavirus patients at Blackpool Vic for first time in five months

Dr Jim Gardner, Medical director at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, revealed the news in a video announcement this evening (August 19).

He welcomed the step forward in the fight against Covid-19, but also warned we must all remain "vigilant".

Parts of Lancashire have had extra restrictions brought in to curb rising infection rates in recent weeks.

While some of those currently on wards at the Vic have previously tested positive for coronavirus, he added: "There's nobody who is within 14 days of their first positive swab."

Dr Gardner said: "That has to come with a note of celebration and a note of caution.

"We have to remain incredibly vigilant in terms of all the things we've talked about before, in terms of social distancing, in terms of wearing face masks when in public spaces.

"The things everybody has been doing to keep themselves safe and keep others safe has had an impact and we must all keep doing that."

A total of 243 patients have died in hospital on the fylde coast having previously tested positive for coronavirus.

While that is four higher than a week ago, Dr Gardner said that includes "a technical adjustment as we go back and look at the data".

The Fylde coast continues to have a lower infection rate than several areas of Lancashire, such as Preston and Blackburn, which have had restrictions brought in by the government.

Blackpool saw 14 new confirmed cases in the seven days up to August 8.

Dr Gardner also said the hospital has been getting busier with non-Covid cases as the hospital returns to "normality".

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for further comment.