CRAVEN residents are being urged to follow the government’s new ‘rule of six’ regulations to prevent any further restrictions being put in place.

This week the Government announced its ‘rule of six’, limiting indoor and outdoor meetings to a maximum of six people, observing social distancing guidance.

Residents are also being told they must stick to the simple, straightforward measures of social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings to avoid further increases in the number of positive tests.

Councillor Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council said: “North Yorkshire has seen a significant rise in cases recently, like the rest of the country. We know that numbers are not as high in Craven as they are in some other parts of the county, but I would urge residents to abide by these new rules so that the number of cases does not continue to rise.

“We know that many of our residents and businesses have struggled throughout the pandemic but if we all pull together and behave responsibly then we will be able to protect each other and our local economy, and avoid a local lockdown in Craven.

“Our Environmental Health officers will continue to work closely with local businesses to help them adapt to the new rules and guidance and to assist them in preparing for the new Government Test and Trace app which is due to be launched later this month.”

The Hands, Face, Space guidance includes:

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

• Keep a safe two-metre distance, meet outside where possible, avoid crowded places, do not meet up with anyone outside your home if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

• You must wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and in indoor public spaces.

• If you have Covid-19 symptoms, book a test immediately and self-isolate at home: visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/TestandTrace or call 119.