| Good afternoon and welcome to a new week, As we head toward tomorrow's new Covid-19 restrictions across most of Lancashire, Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, spoke in a frank statement this morning and said we had turned a corner - and not a good one. Top government scientist Sir Patrick Vallance backed this up, warning the UK faces 50,000 cases a day by mid-October if current infection rates are not halted. Rates are climbing in all age groups. The stark warning made today said we are 'living with this virus' but said good progress was being made in vaccine development and some may be available in small amounts by the end of the year. It comes after a weekend where Lancashire, and Blackpool in particular, became the centre of attention not least because of late night crowds pictured gathering in the resort as revellers from across the county enjoyed an unwise 'final hoorah' on a sunny weekend with little social distancing. Of course the non-Covid news agenda is still underway. A Chorley man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a young girl was lured into woods and forced to remove clothing. And Neo-Nazi graffitti artists have targeted Preston's Jewish community during New Year celebrations. A cyclist was also seriously injured in a crash in Chorley yesterday. But it's not all bad news. A pantomine WILL go ahead in Blackpool, oh yes it will. And Lancashire favourite Linda Nolan has rung the bell to mark her chemotherapy being over. Don't forget you can keep an eye on breaking news via our live blog and we have broken down all the restrictions which will apply from tomorrow. Regards, Nicola Adam, deputy editor, Lancashire Post. As another national lockdown looks ever more likely, have your say anonymously in our Big Conversation survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bc-lep | 
