An East Lancashire council has issued advice on how to stay well and avoid catching illnesses when seeing friends and family this Christmas.

In 2020 heavy restrictions meant that people were only able to gather in small groups for one day, and with infection rates still high in 2021 the advice was to not mix with other households and to test regularly.

This year there are no restrictions in place but people are being warned to pay caution with Covid and other seasonal illnesses around.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has issued some helpful hints as part of the Stay Well campaign on how to stay safe and not put yourself at risk of catching illnesses.

They said:

  • Get vaccinated against Covid and flu
  • Stay at home if you have symptoms of Covid or flu
  • Keep washing your hands and carry sanitiser when you’re out and about
  • Keep rooms well-ventilated by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air
  • Carry a face mask
  • Carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes

Abdul Razaq, director of public health for Blackburn with Darwen, said: “This festive season our residents are looking forward to larger gatherings with family and friends as the Covid and flu viruses continue to circulate in the community.

“As these infections spread more easily when we spend time together indoors, there are simple actions we can all take to protect ourselves and our loved ones while we’re enjoying spending time together.

"I would encourage everyone to stay safe and well by sharing the gift of good infection control measures this Christmas and New Year.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for prevention, health and wellbeing, added: “It’s surreal now to look back on Christmas 2020.

"The nation was in lockdown and Blackburn with Darwen in particular had high infection rates of Covid, and we were only allowed to meet up with close family.

"Hugs and kisses weren’t allowed and if we wanted to meet up with any other loved ones, our only options was braving the weather and meeting up outdoors.

“We’ve come such a long way in our Covid recovery and that, in part, is due to the increased hygiene measures we’re all used to now – washing our hands more frequently, carrying hand sanitiser, and staying away from others if we’re unwell, for example.”

Additional messages have already been shared by the council across bus shelters and digital screens throughout the borough to remind residents of the progress that has been made since 2020 and 2021.