EVERYONE is reminded to stay safe as new lockdown restrictions are about to be introduced in parts of the north west.

New rules are being enforced from Tuesday in Halton, Warrington, Merseyside and Lancashire after significant increases in Covid-19 cases.

The new rules ban separate households from meeting each other at home or in private gardens and pubs and restaurants must shut early.

Winsford GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths said: "At this time it is important to remember the things that we all need to do to keep ourselves and others safe.

"Everyone is asked to take just three simple actions, wash hands regularly, cover face when in enclosed spaces and make space by staying at least two metres apart or one metre with a face covering.

"We also need to avoid meeting in groups of more than six people, indoors or outdoors. Taking these actions will significantly reduce your risk of catching the virus and will help to protect others if you happen to have the virus without knowing."

READ > Grange pupils make soup from their school allotment

The Swanlow surgery GP says the rules about isolation are still the same.

"Anyone who develops a cough, a fever or loss of taste/smell needs to immediately isolate and so do all members of their household," he said.

The person with the symptoms should get a covid test via https://www.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-coronavirus or by calling 119 if you are unable to access the internet.

"Please do not call NHS 111 or your GP surgery for a covid test," said Dr Jonathan. "They are not able to arrange one for you. The household can come out of isolation if the person with symptoms has a negative test result."

If you have symptoms that you are unable to manage yourself, call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk. You can also call your GP or, if you feel your symptoms are life-threatening, 999.

Dr Griffiths said: "The key messages at this time are to understand the guidance, take it seriously and follow the guidance in order to keep cases low, everyone safe and to avoid further social restrictions being enforced.

To check government guidelines visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.