Like other areas in the county, special measures have been introduced in West Lancashire due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

The new local rules will start on Tuesday 22 September across West Lancashire to stop the disease spreading.

Please share the following regulations with family and friends so we can all keep safe:

·We cannot have visitors inside our home or in our garden or visit anyone else at their home or garden, unless they are in our support bubble
·The food and drink hospitality sector is limited to table service only
·Pubs, clubs and other night time attractions must close between 10pm and 5am

The government is also advising us all to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work and to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Councillor Ian Moran, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “It's really sad that these new measures have had to be introduced which have been imposed on us without consultation by national government. I would urge everyone in West Lancashire to stick to the new rules so we can beat coronavirus together. If we don't we could face further restrictions or even a full local lockdown."

All other national guidelines are still in place, and we are still being advised to wash our hands regularly, keep our distance from others, wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces and on public transport (unless we are exempt), and get tested if we have symptoms of coronavirus.

We can travel to work and go on holiday with our household members but the government is advising us to only do this with people we live with (or have formed a support bubble with). We need to follow any rules in the area we visit and be aware of the self-isolation rules when travelling to and from certain countries.

The measures will be monitored closely and reviewed on a weekly basis. The next steps will depend on the impact these measures have.

More information on the new restrictions available here: www.westlancs.gov.uk/coronavirus.