How Blackpool can avoid new coronavirus lockdown rules imposed in Preston

Blackpool continues to see “very few new cases” of coronavirus, said Dr Arif Rajpura, despite rise in other parts of Lancashire leading to new restrictions being brought in - such as those in force in Preston since midnight on Saturday (August 8).

The government-imposed rules stop households from affected areas from meeting up in private but do not prevent them from traveling to other areas, like Blackpool.

Dr Rajpura, director of public health for Blackpool Council, said the advice remained the same for all residents and visitors - regardless of where they live.

He added: “Whilst we continue to see very few new cases and low levels of community transmission in Blackpool, it is vital that people continue to follow all Government guidance to ensure we do not find ourselves in the same situation as some other parts of the north of England.

“I appreciate that this pandemic has affected daily life for us all – changing a lot of what we were used to. However, we really can’t get complacent or let our focus slip.

“The key points such as wearing face coverings where it is legally required, keeping your distance from others, regular hand washing and the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ for coughs and sneezes all remain so important in keeping Blackpool open for business and, importantly, keeping everybody safe.

“I would thank our local businesses and employers for taking on board the working safely guidance to protect both their staff members and those visiting their premises.

“Our enforcement team have a visible presence across town and are able to offer support, whilst ensuring the correct Covid-safe measures are put in place by local employers, businesses and venues.”

Government advice allows people to go on holiday out of area with their own household and to visit public places as long as they practise social distancing, even if their home town has local lockdown measures.

Blackpool Council said in line with this, it was not issuing “any different advice to people in specific areas”.

But all visitors are being urged to “follow the rules around social distancing, hygiene and wearing face coverings where required.”