Don't pass it on - unanimous plea from Preston City Council

8 September 2020

The infection rate of coronavirus is dramatically increasing in Preston, with numbers reaching 59.1 (per 100,000) on Tuesday 8 September, according to figures provided by Public Health England. This figure demonstrates the highest rate of infection since the national lockdown earlier this year.

Preston residents, communities and businesses are being urged by Preston City Council to take the risks seriously and not pass the virus on.

Despite the initial drop in infection rate following the implementation of local restrictions by government, the rate has now significantly increased to a worrying level across the district.

All three political leaders that represent Preston City Council are united in their plea to residents to play their part in protecting the city from the virus.

Leader of Preston City Council, Labour Councillor Matthew Brown said,

"The sudden increase in cases in the city is extremely worrying. We must work together to protect our residents and communities against further spread of this virus. The evidence-based advice from the Director of Public Health, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, is clear and we continue to follow his lead to keep our communities safe.

It has been an extremely difficult time for all of us, but we cannot afford to become apathetic. Coronavirus is still here and we all have a role to play.

Please take the restrictions seriously and follow them - don't be the one to pass it on to your loved ones."

Group Leader of Conservatives at Preston City Council, Councillor Sue Whittam said,

"The advice from the Director of Public Health is clear - we are all a part of the solution to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The effects of this virus have been devastating, but it is not over yet. We all need to continue to follow the government guidance and restrictions - wearing masks, washing hands, keeping distance from each other and not mixing households.

Please work with us and help stop the virus from spreading any further."

Group Leader of Liberal Democrats at Preston City Council, Councillor John Potter said

"We need to take the situation very seriously because the virus is continuing to spread through our communities. This is not something that happens to other people - it is happening everywhere, indiscriminately. 

I have personally seen the devastating consequences of this virus and cannot emphasise enough how important it is for all of us to follow the restrictions that have been put in place to protect us and don't pass it on."

In addition to the measures in place, the Lancashire Resilience Forum is asking all Preston residents to consider being tested for coronavirus at one of the two mobile testing sites

More information

The key messages to residents are:

• Don't mix households
• Wash hands regularly
• Wear a face mask
• Keep your distance
• Get tested, with or without symptoms

There are two mobile testing sites in Preston:

• Just off Moor Park Avenue, PR1 1LD - This site is open 7 days a week 10am - 3pm.
• Preston Markets, next to Lancaster Road - This site is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 3pm (excluding bank holiday 31 August)

For more information visit our coronavirus page.