Blackpool Council agrees to join Lancashire-wide lockdown after spike in COVID cases

Blackpool will join the Lancashire-wide lockdown tomorrow (Friday, September 25) after crunch talks between the county's top health and council chiefs.
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Those leading the county's response to the pandemic confiremd the move this afternoon, a week after stricter lockdown measures were imposed across Lancashire - with the exception of Blackpool.

The new restrictions, which include a 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants, went into force across the county on Tuesday (September 22), but infection rates have continued to rise.

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Blackpool had been the only area excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown, but its Council has dismissed speculation that its exclusion was due to fears that extra restrictions would harm the resort's tourism industry.

Blackpool Council says that it was not consulted by the Government about it being excluded from last week's Lancs-wide restrictions, because it says the area was not being considered by national decision-makers for any such measures at that time.

But that is expected to change later today following a meeting held by Lancashire Resilience Forum, where Blackpool Council has agreed that restrictions in force elsewhere in Lancashire are now also appropriate for the resort.

It said new restrictions are expected to come into force in Blackpool from tomorrow.

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An official announcement is expected later this afternoon, with the Council updating the public on its plans to impose restrictions to help combat a second-wave of coronavirus.

Blackpool has so far been excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions due to the local economy's reliance on tourismBlackpool has so far been excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions due to the local economy's reliance on tourism
Blackpool has so far been excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions due to the local economy's reliance on tourism

What can Blackpool expect?

Blackpool Council said restrictions in the resort will be brought in line with the rest of Lancashire.

There will be a public transport warning, with advice to only use buses and trains for essential trips. These include going to school or university, work, and attending health appointments.

The public will also be told to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Blackpool is currently excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions. Pic credit: GettyBlackpool is currently excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions. Pic credit: Getty
Blackpool is currently excluded from the Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions. Pic credit: Getty
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Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will be limited to table service only and a 10pm to 5am curfew will also be in force.

The current situation in Lancashire

Figures released yesterday (September 24) by Public Health England show an increase in every area of Lancashire, except for South Ribble and Wyre where infection rates appear to have dropped.

Burnley now has the third highest infection rate in England after its case rate rose from 112.5 to more than 200 cases (per 100,000 people) in the seven days to September 14.

Preston has seen its rate of coronavirus cases continue to rise, despite stricter lockdown restrictions coming into effect on Tuesday (September 22)Preston has seen its rate of coronavirus cases continue to rise, despite stricter lockdown restrictions coming into effect on Tuesday (September 22)
Preston has seen its rate of coronavirus cases continue to rise, despite stricter lockdown restrictions coming into effect on Tuesday (September 22)

Preston, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Pendle all continue to have infection rates over the 150 mark while Blackpool, not included in Lancashire's new lockdown measures, now has an infection rate of 70.3 - up from 39.4 the week earlier.

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All of these areas are on now on 'red alert', along with Fylde, Chorley and West Lancashire.

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Lancashire lockdown Q&A: public health boss answers your questions

Yesterday (Thursday, September 24), 251 people tested positive in Lancashire, bringing the total number of cases across the county to 14,632.

The Lancashire County Council area - which includes Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, Burnley, Wyre and Fylde - recorded 213 new cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 11,063.

In the same 24-hour period, Blackburn with Darwen recorded 22 cases, taking its total to 2,475 and Blackpool confirmed a further 16 cases, increasing its total to 1,307.

Blackburn with Darwen recorded 22 cases on Thursday (September 24), bringing its total to 2,475 since the pandemic beganBlackburn with Darwen recorded 22 cases on Thursday (September 24), bringing its total to 2,475 since the pandemic began
Blackburn with Darwen recorded 22 cases on Thursday (September 24), bringing its total to 2,475 since the pandemic began
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We will be bringing you full coverage of the Government's coronavirus review for Lancashire as it happens.

You can always keep up-to-date with the latest, breaking news by checking our daily Live Blog.

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