Coronavirus restrictions in Lancashire
There are new Coronavrius restrictions in place, which cover everywhere in Lancashire, this includes Blackpool, which recently aligned with the rest of Lancashire.
Coronavirus
We are continuing to work with colleagues in the NHS and Public Health England to do everything we can to delay the spread of coronavirus and ensure the people of Lancashire are protected.
As of 30 September 2020, Public Health England reported 12,682 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Lancashire - see regional breakdown of cases in England.
- The Lancashire Resilience Forum publishes a weekly bulletin with the latest figures on the number of coronavirus-related cases and deaths across Lancashire.
- Our Lancashire Insight website brings together intelligence and information relating to Covid-19 in Lancashire from a variety of sources.
Find out what the government is doing to tackle coronavirus.
Let's Do It for Lancashire
We all have a part to play to combat the virus.
It is critical that everybody continues to observe the following key behaviours
Remember... hands, face, space
HANDS
Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
FACE
Cover your face in enclosed spaces, especially where social distancing may be difficult.
SPACE
Stay 2 metres apart where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.
Coronavirus Myths - busted!
It is important to have the correct facts, so we've pulled together some of the commons myths that are around about coronavirus.
In reality...
It affects all communities and ages.
Follow the guidance to keep your family and friends safe.
In reality...
Covid is more than just a cold and can severely impact your health. It's in the same 'family' as colds, but can cause much more serious health issues.
In reality...
Face coverings help to reduce the spread, but you still need to leave space and keep your distance from other people.
There are clear rules from government about when to wear a face covering, as well as exemptions when people don’t need to wear one.
In reality...
You still need to social distance from people if you are outdoors.
It is a lower risk, but it is still there.
In reality...
Coronavirus can affect any community.
Even if reported cases are low where you live or work, you should still follow the guidance and reduce the chance of it spreading into your area.
In reality...
Tests identify the spread of coronavirus and help to avoid spreading it further.
If numbers rise, local measures are put in place to protect you.
In reality...
Measures are only put in place to help stop the spread of the virus, and apply to all communities.
Anyone can be affected by coronavirus, regardless of their ethnicity, age or other factors.
In reality...
Testing protects your friends, family and co-workers, and stops the further spread of the virus. Do you really want to pass it on to people you care about?
The Test and Trace system helps to identify if people have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus, so that they can protect themselves.
In reality...
You can have coronavirus even without symptoms.
This is why it is still important to keep following the guidance including social distance from people, wash your hands and wear a face covering.
In reality...
The coronavirus risk is still here. By reducing the spread, we can have more normal lives.
Although the first wave reduced numbers around the county, we are seeing increases in numbers. It is still with us.
NHS Covid-19 App
The free NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service.
What do I need to Know
Good hygiene remains the best prevention and you should continue to take some simple steps to protect you and your family:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
- only travel on public transport if you need to
- work from home, if you can
- use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
There is clear, helpful information on the NHS website about the symptoms of coronavirus and the steps to take.
Stay at home if you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
If you are required to stay at home, you can find information from the NHS about self-isolation.
The government are providing a coronavirus information service via WhatsApp
The new free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), and will further reduce the burden on NHS services.
The government are providing a test and trace service to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections. This will play a vital role in giving an early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally:
- If you have any symptoms of coronavirus you must book a test
- If you have had close recent contact with someone who has coronavirus, you must self-isolate if the NHS test and trace service advises you to do so
Download the NHS COVID-19 App
Protect your loved ones with the official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app for England and Wales.
It's the fastest way of knowing when you're at risk from coronavirus (COVID-19). The quicker you know, the quicker you can alert your loved ones, and your community.
Staying alert
Please follow government advice:
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
Changes to our services
Our focus is on providing the essential services which support the most vulnerable people in Lancashire.
The following services have been affected by the coronavirus, and there will be some changes to what we are able to provide:
- Adult care services
- Childcare
- Children and Family Wellbeing Service
- Country parks
- European settlement scheme
- Fostering service
- Highways
- Libraries, archives and museums
- Park and ride
- Public Rights of Way
- Public transport
- Registration service
- Schools
- Waste and recycling centres
- Welfare Rights
We will continue to carefully evaluate each service given the unprecedented and changing circumstances we are facing. We will update the information on a regular basis.
Latest news and updates
- 30 Sept 20: Archives to open soon
- 25 Sept 20: More libraries opening
- 22 Sept 20: Garstang recycling centre to reopen
- 18 Sept 20: New COVID measures in Lancs
Safe use of our buildings
Risk assessments to keep our service users, staff and communities safe from the effects of COVID-19.
Help for residents
We are working closely with local authority partners, as well as the community and voluntary sectors across Lancashire, to be able to provide help to those who need it.
Community Hubs
Community hubs have been created in each district across Lancashire to coordinate support and help which is available for those in need.
- Burnley Together
- Chorley Together
- Fylde Community Support Hub
- Hyndburn Hub
- Lancaster Community Hub
- Pendle Community Support Hub
- Preston Together
- South Ribble Together
- Ribble Valley Community Support Hub
- Rossendale Connected
- West Lancashire Together
- Wyre Together
Volunteer support
If you feel isolated, vulnerable and in need of volunteer support you can fill out a community support referral form and a member of the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership will contact you.
If you are a group or organisation that can help support vulnerable people at this time please visit Our Lancashire.
Talkzone advice and information line for young people and families
Talkzone has been offering help and advice to young people for 25 years but has now been extended to also offer support to families while the council's Neighbourhood Centres and Youth Zones are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The current situation with coronavirus will be affecting people of all ages in different ways, and we urge anyone who feels they need some advice and support, to get in touch.
Talkzone is open from 8.30am to 10pm each weekday, and from 2pm to 10pm on weekends.
Visit the Talkzone website for more information about getting in touch.
Support for clinically extremely vulnerable people
If you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, you can register with gov.uk for support. You’ll be able to ask for help, for example, getting deliveries of essential supplies like food or medicine.
Register for yourself or on someone else's behalf. GOV.UK: Get coronavirus support as a clinically extremely vulnerable person
If you consider yourself vulnerable but don’t meet this criteria there is still help available through the Community Hubs.
Age UK Lancashire
Age UK Lancashire provides an information and Advice Line for:
- Information on sources of local support, including referrals to emergency food supplies, where available;
- Advice on a range of issues, including: benefits, housing options, health & community care;
- A Welfare Benefits check over the telephone
Call Age UK on 0300 303 1234 or visit the Age UK Lancashire website.
Age Concern
The Age Concern Coronavirus Support Service is aimed at helping those within self-isolation and their carers to access:
- Shopping trips
- Free food parcels / welfare ‘goodie’ bags
- Regular telephone calls / befriending service
- Information and advice – incl. benefits assessments and links to wider public/voluntary sector support
- Specialist dementia care and support
- Selected Dementia Products available through our website.
- A collection of free online Resources through our website
Various levels of support are available across Lancashire.
To refer in to the service or to enquire about volunteering, please contact Age Concern Central Lancashire through the Coronavirus Helpline: (01772) 552850 (Option Zero) or visit the website: https://www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/covid-19-referral/
Health and wellbeing
If you are struggling with your mental health, then the NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of tips and advice to help you.
Guidance is also available on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Active Travel
Find out what we're doing to promote Active Travel in Lancashire.
Walk or cycle for regular journeys, such as going to work, the shop, or on the school run.
More information
Public Health England and government departments have provided additional guidance about coronavirus for:
Employers and business
If your business has been affected by the coronavirus Boost Business Lancashire has a dedicated #AskForHelp team ready to assist.
If you have a business or organisation that could offer spare safety equipment, then please get in touch. Any donated equipment would be used to protect key workers from various organisations.
Community organisations
- GOV.UK: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
- Lancashire Community Foundation COVID-19 Community Response Fund
- Thank you to Lancashire community groups
- COVID-19 grant funding opportunities for community groups
If your organisation has been affected by the coronavirus Boost Business Lancashire may also be able to assist. Contact their #AskForHelp team for more information.
Education
- GOV.UK: Guidance for educational settings
- GOV.UK: Guidance for schools, colleges and local authorities on maintaining educational provision
- GOV.UK: Guidance for parents and carers
We have produced some guidance for education providers which follows government guidance. This will be regularly updated:
- Guidance for childcare and early years settings (nurseries and childminders)
- Schools' Portal - coronavirus information (login required)
We have also pulled together some online educational resources for parents to help children to learn at home.
Care providers
We have produced some guidance for care providers, which follows government guidance. This will be regularly updated:
Privacy notice supplements relating to coronavirus
As part of Lancashire County Council's coronavirus response, we have a need to process your personal data in order to effectively respond to the current crisis.
We have dedicated privacy notices that set out the ways in which we may process your personal data as part of our response.