Coronavirus: Preston facing new lockdown restrictions as infection rates surge in Lancashire city

‘We are surrounded by areas that have had enforced measures implemented by government and we want to act now to stop that from happening’

Preston could be the country’s next area to have new coronavirus restrictions imposed amid a surge of Covid-19 cases there, council bosses have said.

Residents in the Lancashire city have been strongly advised to avoid hosting visitors at homes as fears grow that government intervention will be needed if the growing spike cannot be brought under control.

The city is next door to Blackburn – currently suffering the highest infection rates in the country – and just north west of Greater Manchester, which was placed into a partial lockdown last Friday with guests at home rendered temporarily unlawful.

But although Preston was not included in that action, Adrian Phillips, the city council’s chief executive, said: “We are not waiting for some government announcement.

“We know our rates are increasing and they have increased over the last week to a level now where we are concerned that we could face government intervention.

“We’ve been working with our communities to make sure we get those key messages out.”

The authority has also advised residents to wear face coverings and to get tested even if they are experiencing only mild symptoms.

A statement on its website said evidence from Public Health England showed a spike of coronavirus cases in the area, with the majority of the spread through households and community.

It said: “The city is surrounded by areas that have had enforced measures implemented by government and we want to act now to stop that from happening (in) Preston.”

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Phillips said: “We are aware we have got community transmissions, we’re aware they are across the city.

“There is a concentration in inner areas as there usually is in any urban environment, but it’s in villages, it’s in our suburbs.

“Covid has not gone away and it is us all taking that message on board and making sure that we don’t relax our guard too much, that we maintain those key issues.”