Landmarks lit up to promote stay safe message
Three of Sunderland’s bestknown landmarks were bathed in orange yesterday to remind residents to stay safe as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Sunderland City Council and NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) illuminated Penshaw Monument, the Northern Spire Bridge and the city centre’s
Keel Square in orange as part of World Patient Safety Day.
The event has added significance after the introduction of extra restrictions in the city and large parts of the North East in the ongoing battle against coronavirus.
Cllr Geoffrey Walker, portfolio holder for Healthy City at Sunderland City Council, said: "I am very happy to be celebrating World Patient Safety Day.
"As we continue our aims in ensuring Sunderland is a healthy city, the safety of all patients is an integral part in achieving this.
"We would also like to thank NHS staff for their hard work, helping people to survive this illness, and we hope that people in Sunderland will continue to do what they can to stop further spread of the virus to ensure that you stay safe."
Gillian Gibson, director of public health at Sunderland City Council, added: "As more new cases continue to arise, everyone needs to help prevent the spread of the virus.
"If everyone behaves as though the people that we meet are infected, then they will massively reduce the risk of more people catching COVID-19. Stay two metres apart, keep your face covered, wash your hands and isolate whenever necessary."
Ann Fox, executive director of nursing for NHS Sunderland CCG, said: "It’s never been more important to remind people that we must all do our bit to once again bring down the infection rate in Sunderland.”