Health bosses urging people not to drop vigilance in wake of vaccine news

AS England edges towards the midway point of the second national lockdown restrictions, Staffordshire residents and businesses are being warned not to let their guard down as cases continue to rise in many areas of the county.

Month-long restrictions came into force in England on 5 November, and county council health bosses want to ensure that talk of a potential vaccine does not lead to people becoming less vigilant in following the basics needed to control the virus.

This warning comes as positive case rates appear to stabilise across much of the county. However, the seven-day rate for Staffordshire is significantly above both the England and West Midlands averages at more than 400 cases per 100,000 population per week.

Dr Richard Harling, the county’s Director of Health and Care, said: “The news of a potential vaccine is a positive development.

“However, this may take many months to be fully available. It is vital that everybody remains focussed and we continue to follow the national restrictions and do everything we can to keep each other safe.

“It is a challenging time for everyone, but the principles of hands, faces and space are still as important as ever to bring the number of cases down, help the NHS and get these restrictions lifted as soon as possible.”

Under the national restrictions people should stay at home and only travel for essential purposes such as work, food shopping, exercise, education and medical appointments. It is illegal for people to socialise with other households indoors or in a private garden, unless they are part of a support bubble.