Coronavirus

Information, support and guidance about the ongoing covid-19 pandemic

Supporting you through Covid-19

Current restrictions

Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country, including for people who have been vaccinated. In England:

You can meet indoors in a group of up to 6 people or a group of any size from 2 households
You can meet outside in a group of up to 30 people
Work from home if you can and travel safely
If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home

Lancashire to receive enhanced support

The county is getting enhanced support from central government to ramp up testing and offering the vaccine in more convenient locations in coronavirus hotspots.

Everyone over 25 is eligible to receive their first Covid jab.

Cases are rising rapidly in parts of Lancashire - driven by the Delta variant - mainly in the East but spreading in Central Lancashire and other parts of the county.

People are also being asked to be cautious and think about minimising travel where possible.

Everyone in Lancashire, including children, are now being strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

By using PCR testing, positive results can be sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories, helping us to identify variant of concern (VOC) cases and their spread.

Anyone can book a free test online or by calling 119.

If you do not have symptoms, you should select the option that says they have been asked to carry out a test by their local authority.

Residents can also pick up a free PCR kit from a designated collection point or have a kit sent to their home.

People should continue to make use of free twice-weekly rapid tests, commonly known as lateral flow devices, alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.

Shielding

Find up to date guidance here

What can you do to reduce the spread

We all have a part to play to help tackle the virus.

South Ribble's rates are increasing and its more important than ever for our residents to still follow general Government guidance to help reduce the spread.

Using simple steps we can reduce our risk of infection and help protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

Hands - Wash your hands

We can all help combat the virus by washing our hands thoroughly and regularly for at least 20 seconds.

If this is not available, use hand sanitiser.

Face - Wear a face covering where prompted and applicable

Government advice on face coverings

Face coverings and dementia

Space - Social distancing is key

Keeping your distance from people not in our households or our "bubbles".

Fresh air - if you're meeting people, stay outside

When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. While larger droplets fall quickly to the ground, smaller droplets and aerosols containing the virus that causes COVID-19 can remain suspended in the air for some time indoors, especially if there is no ventilation.

NHS Test and Trace

From Wednesday 14th September, the council will begin to assist NHS Track and Trace by contacting individuals who need to self-isolate.

Find out more here

If you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID19 app:

self-isolate immediately
do not leave your home for any reason - if you need food or medicine, order it online or by phone, or ask friends and family to drop it off at your home
do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family - except for essential care
try to avoid contact with anyone you live with as much as possible
any people you live with and any people in your support bubble do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms

Your self-isolation period includes the day you were last in contact with the person who tested positive and the next 10 full days.

If you live with someone at higher risk from coronavirus, try to arrange for them to stay with friends or family while you're self-isolating.

If you have to stay in the same home together, read about how to avoid spreading coronavirus to people you live with.

Test and Trace Support Payment

The test and trace support payment has been announced in response to feedback that some people were struggling to self-isolate due to financial constraints. It is to ensure that people on low incomes self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested. This will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and avoid further restrictions, including local lockdowns.

More information and how to apply