EAST Lancashire residents are preparing to be thrown into a circuit breaker lockdown but some people don't think it will help rates in the county.

Merseyside is the most recent area to be put under further measures, after health secretary Matt Hancock said the government imposed the same measures as in the North East due to the increasing numbers requiring them to 'act now'.

Burnley's coronavirus rates have skyrocketed to become the Covid hotspot of the United Kingdom with 302 new cases recorded in the seven days to September 28 - the equivalent of 339.6 cases per 100,000 people.

A circuit breaker lockdown would likely be for a fortnight and would be help for a whole region.

It could see stronger measures on travel and possibly restrictions on non-essential shops whilst schools and some businesses would stay open.

READ > Coronavirus circuit breaker: what it could mean for Blackburn and Lancashire 

One social media user doesn't believe that two weeks of lockdown would help the numbers drop.

He said: "This is absolutely not what we need to do. If it was, then the virus would have been eradicated the first time around when we locked down for 3 months. Why would another 2 weeks do it?

"You can’t hide it out from viruses. They’ll simply spread again when we mix again. That’s just how it is.

"People’s respect of the rules was far higher then than it would be the next time too."

Another agreed that a two week crackdown may not be the way to fix the counties rates.

He said: "Without a doubt the stupidest idea yet! So when we end the circuit breaker and come out and start mixing again and cases rise again, then what?

"We spent 2 months in lock down and ultimately it made no difference so why would a two week quick fix make the slightest bit of difference!?"

Many people believe it could help the county with lots of East Lancashire residents saying they would follow new rules if they were introduced.

One man said he would follow the rules and people that don't are "part of the problem".

Another woman has said she would support a second lockdown after being personally affected by the virus.

She said: "I know several people who have had Covid. They may not have died but they are having fatigue symptoms months later. Many people either too complacent, too selfish or both"

The government want to keep schools open after children's education took a hit during the first lockdown, however one resident believes that keeping schools open will not help.

She said: "This virus won't go until they shut the schools again! What's the point of the classes being in 'bubbles' then being allowed to mix and lunch and break time!

"I'm still going to work and mixing with lots of people! It will never go as the government gives mixed messages!

"It's all a joke! People's mental health are more at risk than catching a cold!"

No further lockdown measures have been introduced to East Lancashire for a fortnight when all areas except Blackpool were put into tighter restrictions.

Blackpool was then added to the list last week after case numbers started to rise in the seaside resort.