Public urged to follow new COVID-19 rules
Public urged to follow the rules ahead of ‘challenging’ winter
Members of the public have been urged to follow the new restrictions announced by the Prime Minister this week. They include 10pm curfews for pubs and restaurants.
Members of the public have been urged to follow the new restrictions announced by the Prime Minister this week to stop the spread of coronavirus, writes David Lee.
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK continue to rise, Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday that all pubs and restaurants will need to close at 10pm, office workers should work from home, and that face coverings must be worn by all retail staff.
Slough’s cabinet member for health, Cllr Natasa Pantelic (Lab, Cippenham Meadows) said it was important everyone followed the guidelines and urged people to wash their hands, stay at least two metres apart and wear a face covering.
She said: “We can’t just think of ourselves but our loved ones, our neighbours and local community too.
“We are now heading towards autumn and winter months which will be challenging with other viruses like flu circulating the population.
“Please do make sure you get a flu jab if you’re eligible. There’s lots of guidance on the Slough Public Health website.”
Stuart Carroll, (Con, Boyn Hill) cabinet member for health at the Royal Borough said: “There’s always a fine balance to be struck around such measures and how practical some of them are, but it’s vital people comply and adhere to the guidance because that is the best way, not just to protect yourself and others, but to vulnerable people who may be at risk.
“It’s frankly the best way to stop more restrictive measures whether that be a lockdown, or a full shutdown, not just at a local level but at a Government level.”
He added a local lockdown was the ‘last thing we want to see’ at the Royal Borough, but if cases continued to rise that option would have to be left ‘on the table’.
“In the end it’s about protecting lives and protecting the NHS and local services. We don’t want to have to do that option, it’s not our first point of call but it’s an option on the table if absolutely needed.”
The Royal Borough said it was working to ensure COVID-19 case numbers don't increase further following a spike earlier this month.
But it said there had been a ‘number of cases’ where it was difficult to trace the connection and has requested the borough has access to more testing sites.
The council said it would publicise these testing sites once it is given the locations.
A spokeswoman said: “We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it. If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days and don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so.”
The new restrictions are as follows;
Office workers who can work from home are urged to do so.
Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table service only, except for takeaways, and most close by 10pm.
Face coverings must be worn by all retail staff, all users of taxi and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers at indoor hospitality venues, unless they are sitting down to eat or drink.
COVID-secure guidelines in retail, leisure and tourism, and other sectors will become the law.
From Monday, a maximum of 15 people may attend wedding ceremonies or receptions. Up to 30 people may still attend a funeral.
The rule of six will also now apply to all adult indoor sports.
Plans to reintroduce business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events from Thursday, October 1 have been put on hold.
People or businesses caught breaking COVID guidelines will be fined.
The fine for not wearing a mask or breaking the rule of six has been increased to £200 at the first offence.
Those who were shielding during the original lockdown are advised that they do not currently need to shield again.
Schools, colleges, universities and places of worship will remain open.
Provided there are no significant advances with a vaccine or treatments, these restrictions will be in place for up to six months.