RESIDENTS of a borough have been warned that this week’s easing of the coronavirus lockdown does not mean the remaining restrictions can be flouted.

Public health director Professor Dominic Harrison and council chief executive Denise Park said that with coronavirus rates in Blackburn with Darwen remaining high, vigilance by citizens remains essential.

The ‘rule of six’ has returned in public outdoor spaces, some outdoor sport and leisure facilities have reopened and ‘stay at home' has been replaced with guidance to ‘minimise travel’.

Prof Harrison said: “Here in Blackburn with Darwen transmission rates remain high. We are asking people to work with us to lower these numbers and keep them down to prevent any further local restrictions.

“Although the ‘Stay Home’ rule has ended people should now minimise travel as much as possible, and this includes for sport and social contact.

“Restrictions are starting to ease, and now it is up to each and every one of us to keep this virus under control.

“We will only achieve this by minimising contact wherever possible, wearing a face covering, keeping our distance, and washing our hands regularly.”

Ms Park said: “We have done well to lower transmission rates over recent months and we want to continue to see things moving in the right direction.

“Whilst everyone is looking forward to restrictions lifting, we need to remember that this is a critical stage of the roadmap to recovery. We all need to avoid any unnecessary risks to ensure these restrictions can continue to be lifted.”