This is why Preston coronavirus restrictions WILL remain in force despite reduction in cases

A decision has been made by central Government to keep Preston in lockdown until further notice, despite the number of cases halving in the city in the past two weeks.

Lancashire Resilience Forum, the taskforce coordinating the county's response to the pandemic, confirmed the decision in its weekly update this afternoon (Friday, August 28).

It comes as restrictions are to be lifted in Burnley and Hyndburn from next Wednesday (September 2).

But after reviewing the latest testing data for Preston, the Government said it was unable to grant the city the same benefit and restrictions will have to remain in place.

Just yesterday (Thursday, August 27), Preston City Council and the county's director of public health praised the city's efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.

It said a record 333 people had volunteered to be tested at Preston Markets on Tuesday, following a city-wide call for those without symptoms to get themselves tested.

Between August 14 and August 24, Preston's infection rate has gone down from its peak of 43.7 cases to just 24 cases per 100,000, says Preston City Council.

Official Government figures show that 51 people tested positive in the city during this same period. In total, there have been 1,407 confirmed cases in Preston since the pandemic reached Lancashire in March.

Preston City Council said the figures are "extremely positive", but it has urged the city not to become complacent. It said that the additional local restrictions introduced by the Government on August 7 will remain in place until further notice.

But both the Council and the director of public health for Lancashire say they are confident that if the city can demonstrate a further decrease in positive cases and sustain the improved situation, the Government might be persuaded to lift local restrictions.

Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown said: "I am extremely proud of how well Prestonians have stepped up and taken the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the city.

"If we can keep up this standard and demonstrate to Government that the numbers are continuing to fall, we will be in a strong position to request the lifting of the additional restrictions.

"To do this we still need everyone's help. Please still do your part and help us protect all our residents and communities by adhering to the restrictions in place. Let's do it for Preston."

What does this mean for Preston?

This means that in Preston, residents can't have visitors or visit others in their homes or gardens, or socialise with friends at indoor venues. But they can continue to meet in groups of up to six in outdoor public areas.

Gary Hall, deputy chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said: "In most parts of Lancashire things are heading in the right direction, and I would like to thank everyone for playing their part. I understand how difficult it has been and appreciate the sacrifice people have made.

"If we continue on this path I am hopeful that all parts of Lancashire will have the remaining restrictions lifted soon, but this depends on people following the rules wherever they live in the county, and continuing 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."