RESIDENTS in Carlisle are being urged to be vigilant to “protect our communities” and reduce the “risk of potential lockdowns.”

The WHO Carlisle Health Forum is asking residents in the city to follow public health advice regarding the coronavirus to protect their friends, family, and strangers.

The forum is made up of different organisations in the city with the aim of promoting the health and wellbeing of residents in Carlisle.

Cllr Elizabeth Mallinson, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, speaking for the forum said: “In Carlisle, although we are at the medium Covid alert level, we need to vigilant and stick to the public health advice.

“We don’t want to see our city and district go into heightened restrictions.

“This would result in less freedom of movement, would impact on our isolated residents and could hit our economy hard.

“We urge local families to help protect our communities and minimise the risk of potential lockdowns.”

It comes as a recent report on the Covid-19 situation in Cumbria showed that there has been a small increase in cases in the county.

The group is encouraging people to follow the rule of six and to stop children and young people meeting in groups of more than six at play areas and parks.

They are also reminding people to leave the correct contact details when visiting pubs and restaurants.

Cumbria County Cllr Deborah Earl, cabinet member for public health and local communities, added: “We can all still play an important role to slow the spread of coronavirus, and that’s everyone should follow the latest rules and guidance closely.

“The new national COVID-19 risk levels are clear, and infection rates are rising across the country.

“Therefore, any extra steps people can take to limit their social contact, wear masks in enclosed public spaces and outdoors if it’s busy, and washing hands regularly will make a big difference.”

Public health messages that the group is asking people to follow include washing and sanitising your hands regularly, observe social distancing rules, wear a face mask in enclosed places, and to self-isolate if you have symptoms.

For more information visit the Cumbria County Council website.