The UK government announced Friday that Lancashire will be joining the Liverpool City Region in Tier 3 lockdown, meaning bingo halls will be forced to close across the county.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
“An unrelenting rise in cases in Lancashire means we must act now, and we have worked intensively with local leaders to agree on additional restrictions.”
“I know how heavy these additional challenges will weigh on everyday life for the people of Lancashire but they are critical in bringing this virus under control.”
“Without them, we risk the health of your loved ones, your most vulnerable, and your local NHS services. Now is the time to play your part, and we will make sure you are supported.”
The county of Lancashire, where infection rates are among the highest in the country and showing no signs of abating, has now joined the Liverpool City Region in the government's drastic lockdown measures.
The government stated that from 00.01 Monday, October 19 all adult gaming, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers, betting shops, and soft play areas in Lancashire must close.
The new restrictions apply to all bingo halls in Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre.
Lancashire, Liverpool City Region are the only two areas in tier 3 lockdown, with Greater Manchester so far spared.
In Scotland, bingo halls in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley have been ordered to shut down from Saturday, October 10th for a period of two weeks.
The government stated that the measures implemented today will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate. Sadly, it looks as though we may see more UK bingo halls closing in the immediate future, as the pandemic's infection rate continues to rise.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK