GUIDANCE on coronavirus shielding in most of Blackburn with Darwen will be relaxed from September 21.

Clinically extremely vulnerable patients in the eight wards in North East Blackburn currently in special measures are advised to continue to stay at home until at least September 23.

Those who live in the other nine wards in Darwen and Blackburn which are not classed as high risk are advised shielding is being relaxed from September 21.

Letters will be sent to all residents advising them which shielding advice to follow to avoid confusion.

The eight affected wards where residents are advised to stay shielding and following the guidance because the levels of coronavirus remain high are Audley and Queen’s Park, Bastwell and Daisyfield, Billinge and Beardwood, Blackburn Central, Little Harwood and Whitebirk, Roe Lee, Shear Brow and Corporation Park, and Wensley Fold.

This is in line with the continuation of other special measures including not socialising with other households.

If you live in Darwen and the wards in Blackburn where the additional restrictions were lifted last month, then shielding restrictions are being relaxed on September 21.

However, people are advised not to travel to the eight wards in North East Blackburn as the levels of the virus are too high.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I want to again thank all our communities who are supporting our efforts to control the virus. We know it has been extremely difficult but we are seeing results as the levels of virus are falling in some areas. As a result, we are able to relax the shielding guidance in those wards. I would ask the people in the eight North-East wards to continue to follow the guidance rigorously.”

If you are currently in receipt of medicine deliveries or care through the national shielding service, you will continue to receive this support while shielding.