THE experience of dealing with months of high coronavirus rates in Blackburn with Darwen is being shared with Whitehall

The council’s public health specialists are helping shape the government’s ‘Enduring Transmission Plan’ to assist the nation’s exit from Covid-19.

The blueprint, currently in development, will be used to support areas like Blackburn with Darwen, with higher than average rates of coronavirus, in their response to the continuing challenges of the pandemic.

Laura Wharton, a consultant in public health at the authority, said: “Our team has a lot of insight to offer our regional and national colleagues who are working on the government’s enduring transmission plan.

“At this stage of the pandemic, the Joint Biosecurity Centre and NHS Test and Trace are gathering best practice of managing higher than average case rates over a long period of time.

“Since Blackburn with Darwen has one of the highest cumulative case rates throughout the pandemic, and managed an early surge of cases of the Delta variant, we have plenty of experience to share.

“Although legal restrictions have officially been relaxed, we all need to do the right thing and continue to take precautions as we mix with others, particularly vulnerable people.

“Please continue to follow the basics of good hand hygiene, using face coverings in certain situations, and respecting anyone who feels more comfortable continuing to keep a safe social distance.”

This week’s Covid case rates have increased slightly, after nine days of falling.