Stick to the rules as restrictions begin to ease

Sunderland’s head of public health is urging people to carry on sticking to the rules when lockdown restrictions begin to ease from next week.

Gerry Taylor, director of public health and integrated commissioning at Sunderland City Council, acknowledged the challenges over the last year, the loss of loved ones and the sacrifices many have made.

She said: "This week marks one year since the first national lockdown in England.

"It’s been a challenging year for all of us and I thank people for all that they’ve done to help slow the spread of Covid.

"Many of us have been affected, lost loved ones or made sacrifices, but through it all we have stood together and done all we could to slow the spread of the virus."

On Monday, outdoor sports facilities will open again and up to six people or two households will be able to gather outdoors, including in private gardens.

The ‘stay at home’ rule also ends on March 29 but many restrictions will remain in place, and from April 1 those who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be advised to shield but should still take extra precautions.

Ms Taylor added: "While it will be lovely to see each other again in slightly larger groups outside, please don’t be tempted to pop inside for a quick cuppa or to use the bathroom.

"I’d urge everyone to continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make.

"It’s really important that we stick to the roadmap, especially around household mixing.”