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Lockdown measures have been reintroduced in Preston

Lockdown measures include UCLAN


As of midnight on Friday 4th August, local lockdown restrictions will be imposed on Preston, as rising infection rates were reported in the city.

Last week Lancashire’s Director of Public Health warned that the city of Preston was ‘on the radar’ for local lockdown. As data didn’t show improvement, Preston will now join many areas across East Lancashire, Greater Manchester and parts of West Yorkshire in local lockdown.

Preston has seen its rate of new coronavirus cases rise from 20.3 per 100,000 people to 32.8 in seven days, with 47 new cases recorded in that time.

What local lockdown means for Preston is that residents will not be able to have members from other households in their homes and gardens. They will also not be able to visit other people’s homes or gardens, even if they are in an unaffected area, or mix with other households in indoor venues, including pubs and restaurants.

Social bubbles remain unaffected by the restrictions: groups of six, or more than six from exclusively two different households, can meet in outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces includes parks, public gardens and beer gardens.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, stated that the decision to implement stricter restrictions in Preston is essential as: “the data does not yet show a decrease in the transmission of this terrible virus”.

The chief executive at Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips announced: “It is clear that coronavirus is still here and we all need to work together to keep ourselves, our friends, families and communities safe from this virus.”

As the government has named Preston an area of designated intervention,  the city will be able to receive additional support from the government in tackling the virus. The new measures will be reflected upon in seven days time.

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