NEW rules put into place across the whole of Lancashire other than Lancashire have seen a raft of new restriction due to come into effect on Tuesday September 22.

These new measures have been sparked by a "concerning rise" in coronavirus infections across the county.

Lancashire County Council's Director of Public Health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi stressed the gravity of the situation.

He said: "The past six months have been really tough for everyone and so many people have made personal sacrifices for the good of their loved ones and the communities where they live and work.

"But we have seen really worrying signs of the infection rate increasing in Lancashire.

"The daily cases have doubled from 75 cases on September 6 to 144 on the 14 .

"Although still in small numbers, we are also seeing that hospital admissions rise two weeks after the cases increased.

"If we don't act now we could be facing another lockdown. The situation really is that stark."

From Tuesday onwards leisure and entertainment venues, including restaurants, pubs and cinemas, must close between 10pm and 5am, while residents must not socialise with other people outside of their household or protective support bubble in private homes or gardens and hospitality for food and drink must operate table service only.

However, local authorities have now revealed the businesses that are exempt and can continue to operate past the 10pm closing time.

Car parks, public toilets, and petrol stations will be allowed to remain open, along with these businesses:

• Food retailers, such as markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.

• Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).

• Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.

• Newsagents.

• Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.

• Petrol stations.

• Car repair and MOT services.

• Bicycle shops.

• Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.

• Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points.

• Post offices.

• Funeral directors.

• Laundrettes and dry cleaners.

• Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.

• Vets and pet shops.

• Agricultural supplies shop.

• Car parks.

• Public toilets.

• Storage and distribution facilities, such as delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business outlined above

Have you been affected by the changes? Email joe.harrigan@newsquest.co.uk.