Lancaster district residents urged to 'continue efforts' to bring Covid-19 infection rate down

A national lockdown is due to start on Thursday November 5 until December 2 in an attempt to curb a rise in coronavirus cases, although schools, colleges and universities will not be included.

It is understood individuals will be allowed to meet with one other person from a different household in outdoor public spaces.

Lancaster, along with the rest of Lancashire, has been on the highest level of coronavirus restrictions since October 17.This followed stronger restrictions for Lancashire introduced in September following a sharp increase in cases.

Since then, the district has managed to drive down its infection rates, and has reported the lowest rates in the county over recent days, with 239 cases per 100,000 recorded in the week up to October 30, according to government figures.

The national average for England was 225.

But Coun Dr Erica Lewis has called on residents to continue their efforts, and has warned that the next four weeks "will be even harder" than under current restrictions.

She said: "Barely more than two weeks after the Lancaster district learnt we were going into tier 3, we learn we are going into national lockdown on Thursday November 5.

"Lancaster’s numbers have been steadily heading in the right direction.

"The combination of Tier 3 and the hard work of residents, businesses, local organisations and our universities to reduce transmission does appear to have been working.

"The next four weeks are going to be even harder, but we need to ask everyone to continue their efforts.

"The more we can bring our infection numbers down, the more likely we are to get out of lockdown in four weeks, and the less likely we are to emerge from lockdown back into Tier 3 or something like it.

"The basic advice hasn’t changed: wash your hands, wear your face mask, and make space.

"If you have symptoms, please get tested. There are more testing sites in the district than ever before, and lots of capacity.

"If you are asked to isolate. Please isolate. We know this is hard, so if you need help with finances, food, isolation or anything else, please call the community hub on 01524 58 2000.

"And remember every contact you don’t make is one less opportunity to either catch coronavirus or pass it onto someone else."

Coun Lewis said that there are still a lot of details missing about lockdown 2, but along with council colleagues across the country she said she is pushing for clearer information and more support for residents, local businesses and organisations.

The council will run briefing calls for community organisations and local businesses once it has seen the regulations.

Anyone interested in being involved should email [email protected]

She added: "Lancaster City Council, along with all our partners, will continue to do everything we can to support residents, local businesses and organisations.

"If you are a resident who needs help please contact the community hub on 01524 58 2000.

"If you are a business or organisation who needs advice on safe operations please contact [email protected] and if you need other advice or guidance on the support that is available please contact [email protected]

"Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to reduce transmission and to support residents, businesses and organisations to survive the pandemic."