RESIDENTS have been urged to ‘work tirelessly to maintain the health and wellbeing of every member of our community’ as we enter into a third national lockdown.

It comes after it was revealed cases of coronavirus in an area of Bridport have almost trebled. In the seven days up to December 31 2020, there was a reported 23 cases in Bridport North, an increase of 17 on the seven days before. Bridport North covers the town centre, northern sections of the town Bradpole parish.

Cases in Dorset generally have also spiralled since Christmas, and there have been a record number of infections announced in recent days. The number of deaths has also sadly risen.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another lockdown as coronavirus infection rates continue to rise across the country and a new strain of the virus takes hold.

People must now stay at home and only leave if they have a reasonable excuse. Schools are closed until at last mid-February along with all non-essential shops.

Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark, said: “I don’t think there can possibly be one person in our community that has not felt the weight of this announcement or the anxiety that it will inevitably bring and my thoughts are with you.

“It is now more important than ever that we work tirelessly to maintain the health and wellbeing of every member of our community.

“As a community we have been very successful at keeping the number of Covid-19 infections very low thus far and it is vital that we redouble our safe practices in order to ensure that remains to be the case.

“The most basic actions set out at the outset of the pandemic remain our first line of defence; Wash Hands, Cover Face and Maintain 2m Space. I urge everyone to do this diligently over the coming weeks. Remember that 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so will be spreading the virus without realising it. In order to reduce your risk of becoming infected it is therefore advisable to assume that everyone you meet is a potential carrier.”

Cllr Bark added: “The past year has taught us a great deal about how to cope and support each other.

“No matter how challenging you find your circumstances support is out there for you.”

The Bridport Coronavirus Community Support service will continue to be in place as it has for the two previous lockdowns.

The initiative was set up during the first lockdown, with a single phone number – 01308 808900 – providing access to advice and practical help provided by a host of local organisations from across the area. It is run by volunteers in collaboration with Bridport Town Council.

There is also a website which provides a directory of restaurants, pubs, shops, bakers, butchers, health and wellbeing more, with an emphasis on supporting local businesses. This can be found at www.bridportcommunity.com

The Bridport Community Support Facebook page, run by Michelle Holmes-Good, also keeps residents updated on local businesses and community initiatives.