Good evening

So, news is in that the UK coronavirus alert level has been downgraded from four to three.

Healthy Secretary Matt Hancock said the change was a “big moment for the country” but here in Lancashire - where the ‘R’ rate has lingered at a higher rate than most - we would be wise to take this with a healthy dose of  wariness.

A government announcement does not mean the end of the pandemic. Just ask those at the sharp end still looking after patients every day and seeing new cases coming in.

While the level four alert meant transmission was high or rising exponentially - and social distancing should continue, level three still means the virus is in general circulation and the restrictions will be gradually relaxed.

The country IS getting back on its feet - but oh so slowly and none of us want to be the headlines in the inevitable stories of local outbreaks and occurrences because we let our guard down too early.

The endgame of this situation is not yet in sight. Please continue taking care.

Nicola Adam
Deputy Editor

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