Experts urge supermarkets to stay vigilant
PUBLIC health bosses have urged supermarkets to follow Covid-19 public health guidance.
The Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside welcomed the recent announcement by many supermarkets that they will be tightening the rules and enforcing the use of face coverings.
However, the directors, who are leading the local public health response to Covid, have said they would like to ensure the public are as protected as possible given the high numbers of cases in Cheshire and Merseyside.
At present, public health guidance for supermarkets includes ensuring the use of face coverings by customers and staff (unless medically exempt), a one way system, a limit on shopper numbers in store, social distancing markers and allowing one person to shop, with exceptions such as people who need a carer.
It also asks supermarkets to remind customers to only handle products they intend to buy.
Ian Ashworth, current chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health Board, said: “Despite the great progress being made with the vaccine roll out, it is still important that organisations continue to keep people safe.
“Supermarkets and food stores can help reduce the spread of Covid by strictly adhering to the public health guidance.
“Our hospitals are still extremely overwhelmed with Covid patients so we must do everything we can.
“If supermarkets and food stores can closely follow the guidance, it will contribute to fewer positive Covid cases in our community.
“We all want to see an end to this lockdown.
“We would like to thank everyone working in the food/retail sector who have worked tirelessly to serve their customers throughout this difficult time.”
Directors of Public Health also wanted to remind members of the public to stay at home and only leave the house for permitted reasons such as essential shopping, exercise and medical appointments.
They are also encouraging people to shop locally and use online deliveries where possible. A full list of exceptions to the “stay at home” rules can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
If you develop symptoms of Covid (fever, new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell) you can obtain a test by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.
If your test is positive you must follow the guidance including self-isolating immediately. More information on self-isolating can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.
For those who need support during this difficult time please visit www.kindtoyourmind.org which has details of 24/7 crisis helplines and resources to help mental wellbeing.