When Blackpool Zoo will close - and reopen - because of the second national Covid lockdown

Blackpool Zoo said it will again close as the nation prepares to be plunged into a fresh Covid lockdown.
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The attraction, in East Park Drive, which was shut for months in the spring, said its gates will be locked to visitors from Wednesday evening "with a plan to reopen on Thursday, December 3".

"Our dedicated keeper team will continue to provide the best care for our animals during the closure," it said.

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"We apologise for any disappointment and thank you for your patience."

A number of changes were made at the zoo to try and protect visitorsA number of changes were made at the zoo to try and protect visitors
A number of changes were made at the zoo to try and protect visitors

The Spanish-owned zoo reopened in June after closing alongside most of the country in March, with a number of changes made to try and keep guests safe from the virus before it welcomed them back in June.

Members, who pay up to £99.75 each for an annual pass, were told at the time that they can renew for 2021 and save 50 per cent, or receive a four-month extension which will be automatically added and expire on April 30.

The adjacent Play Barn, a soft-play area for children, based in a converted aircraft hangar, has remained shut since March.

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On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will order the country to once again stay at home in a bid to reverse the spread of the coronavirus.

The new lockdown, which will run from November 5 until at least December 2, means people must remain in their homes except for specific reasons like going to school or college or the supermarket.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the measure could be extended if infection rates do not significantly fall.

In the seven days to October 26, Blackpool's infection rate was 484.1 per 100,000 people, up from 474.7 the week before, with 676 new cases diagnosed.

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Blackburn with Darwen, in east Lancashire, continued to have the highest rate in England, with a rate of 768.2.

Oldham had the second highest rate at 703.5.

Wigan was third with a rate of 687.3.

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