South Ribble residents urged to do all they can to slow the spread of coronavirus

South Ribble’s coronavirus daily rate of infection has increased.

There have been 21 cases in the last 14 days, spread across different wards in low numbers.

This comes after neighbouring Preston has recently became an ‘area of intervention’ with additional measures being put in place for their residents.

South Ribble residents, while do not fall under Preston’s additional measures are encouraged to follow Government guidance on how to reduce the spread.

Residents are advised to:

• Wash or sanitise hands your regularly
• Keep your distance of others from outside of your household
• Wear face coverings where applicable
• Stay at home if you’re unwell
• Arrange a test immediately if symptoms are being displayed

Full guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “This is a direct plea to all across South Ribble to do what they can to help reduce the spread of the virus.

“We’ve seen what’s happening with a number of our neighbours in Lancashire and in order to ensure we do not have to introduce any further lockdown measures; we need to get the rates down.

“Let’s not get complacent. The virus is still here, and we all need to act now. It’s more important than ever to follow Government advice and guidance.”

“Wash your hands regularly, keep your distance of those not in your household – especially while you are visiting other people’s houses, wear your face coverings and stay at home if you’re unwell. Come on South Ribble, we can do this.”

Alongside encouraging residents to step up their compliance with Government guidance, the council will be ramping up their work with local businesses to ensure that all sectors across the borough are covid-secure.

Much of the council’s Environmental Health Team and others across the council are now dedicated to conducting community outreach, offering support, guidance to our businesses and auditing premises to ensure covid compliance.

Councillor Mick Titherington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure said, “As a council, we’re doing all we can to offer support across our community to make sure that people can be safe.

“Our local businesses still need our support and we’re working with them closely to make sure they are covid-secure. If you’re out and about in our town and village centres, please follow the advice given.

“We need each and every single person in South Ribble to follow the guidance and reduce the spread.

“The last thing we want to see is for South Ribble to have to fall under any additional measures to tackle the virus.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, said:

“We all need to work together to reduce the spread. Covid affects all communities so it’s really important to stay aware of the risks and follow the official guidance on how to stay safe.

“This will reduce the need for additional measures and help things to return to normal more quickly.”

More guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/coranavirus and specific South Ribble information and guidance for residents and businesses can be found at www.southribble.gov.uk/coronavirus.