New Lancashire-wide lockdown restrictions expected to be confirmed imminently - this is what we know so far

Lancashire is expected to see tougher restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirus - this is what we know so far.
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Lancashire and Merseyside are expected to be the latest parts of the country to see tougher restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirus.

Local authorities in England’s North West are said to be expecting a Government announcement today, following the introduction of extra restrictions in the North East yesterday (Thursday, September 17).

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A spokesman for Lancashire Resilience Forum, the task force in charge of the county's response to the crisis, said: “We are expecting an announcement later today by Government that the majority of Lancashire will be subject to new measures in order to bring down the rate of Covid-19 infections.

"Over the last two weeks, we have unfortunately seen significant increases in the number of cases in most towns and cities in our county.

"The Government reviews the situation weekly and can implement new measures if deemed necessary to control the spread.

"We are awaiting the full regulations and guidelines but will let you know what it means for you and our county as soon as we can."

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In Lancashire, where Preston, Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle already have restrictions in place, it has been reported that measures will be introduced for all of the county apart from parts of Blackpool.

Lancashire and Merseyside are expected to be the latest parts of the country to see tougher restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirusLancashire and Merseyside are expected to be the latest parts of the country to see tougher restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirus
Lancashire and Merseyside are expected to be the latest parts of the country to see tougher restrictions put in place to control the spread of coronavirus

The extra measures reportedly forbid households from mixing in any setting in all of the county’s boroughs apart from parts of Blackpool.

This morning, Lancashire County Council tweeted: "We are expecting an announcement later today by Government on new measures to bring down the rate of Covid-19 infections in Lancashire.

"We are awaiting the full details and will let you know what it means for you and our county as soon as we can."

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Nine of the UK's 10 worst affected areas are in the North West, with most parts of Greater Manchester already subject to strict restrictions.

The new measures reportedly forbid households from mixing in any setting in all of the county’s boroughs apart from parts of BlackpoolThe new measures reportedly forbid households from mixing in any setting in all of the county’s boroughs apart from parts of Blackpool
The new measures reportedly forbid households from mixing in any setting in all of the county’s boroughs apart from parts of Blackpool

A spokesman for Chorley Council added: "We are expecting an announcement later today by Government that the majority of Lancashire will be subject to new measures in order to bring down the rate of Covid-19 infections.

"Over the last two weeks, we have unfortunately seen significant increases in the number of cases in most towns and cities in our county.

"The Government reviews the situation weekly and can implement new measures if deemed necessary to control the spread.

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"We are awaiting the full regulations and guidelines but will let you know what it means for you and our county as soon as we can.

Nine of the UK's 10 worst affected areas are in the North West, with most parts of Greater Manchester already subject to strict restrictionsNine of the UK's 10 worst affected areas are in the North West, with most parts of Greater Manchester already subject to strict restrictions
Nine of the UK's 10 worst affected areas are in the North West, with most parts of Greater Manchester already subject to strict restrictions

"We all want to get back to normal, and we know this news will be difficult for people to hear. These decisions are not taken lightly and are in the interest of everyone’s health and safety."

Cat Smith MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood tweeted: "We are still waiting for the full details of regulations and guidelines but I’ll update to let you know what it means for you as soon as I can.

"We all want to get back to normal, and we know this news will be difficult for people to hear."

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