Health Secretary Matt Hancock comments on lockdown rollbacks in Luton and Blackburn amid Covid-19 worries

Luton and Blackburn with Darwen councils have both decided that increasing rates of coronavirus in their areas means further measures are needed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Both authorities have cancelled the planned reopening of gyms, swimming pools, play areas and other leisure facilities on Saturday, July 25.

The changes apply to all facilities in the local authority area, regardless of whether they are council-run or commercial.

The Department for Health states that both areas are now categorised as an "area of intervention" and has promised extra "national support, capacity and oversight" to help increase the effectiveness of testing and tracing at a local level.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Blackburn with Darwen and Luton councils are doing excellent work with their local communities to address an increase in coronavirus cases and we continue to work collectively with them.

"Strong community engagement, major boosts in testing and increased support are already underway to manage outbreaks in these areas.

“The latest data shows the incidence of COVID-19 in these areas is higher than in other areas of the country, and we have agreed to support both local authorities to pause the further easement of lockdown measures in these areas.

"This means indoor gyms, swimming pools and other sport and exercise facilities will not reopen in Luton or Blackburn with Darwen on 25 July.

“I appreciate this will be disappointing for many people and some businesses in the area but we are in complete agreement with local leaders that the priority must be to protect local residents by stopping the spread of this virus.

“I have every faith in the local leaders’ ability to help their areas return to normal as soon as possible and in local communities coming together during this time.”

Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins added : “While I am concerned that cases of Covid-19 are rising in Luton, I am reassured by the swift joint local intervention by Luton Council and the Department of Health and Social Care, with support from community leaders.

"The additional local public health measures that have been introduced by Luton Council are crucial to controlling the virus. By tightening health regulations now, we can prevent increasing infections and avoid a hard lockdown like that of previous months.

"The increased risk in Luton reminds us all that the virus has not gone away. We must continue adhering to the latest public health guidance to protect everyone in our community.”