Health expert warning against virus complacency despite rule changes

NOW is not the time to become complacent.

This is the stark warning from a North Tyneside health boss as many shops reopened for the first time in three months.

Non-essential stores were yesterday allowed to reopen for the first time since March.

The Government has put in place rules for customers and businesses to follow in a bid to let people shop without spreading coronavirus.

However, Wendy Burke, North Tyneside’s director of public health, warned the threat of coronavirus has not gone away.

She said: “We have all worked really hard and are doing a fantastic job to help bring this terrible virus under control here in North Tyneside and further afield.

“We really are all in this together to prevent further people from becoming ill and more families suffering loss.”

Ms Burke pointed to the changes the council made to the borough to keep people safe.

She added: “Now is not the time to become complacent, the threat of coronavirus remains with us.

“It will be there for some time to come and as many shops and businesses begin to reopen for the first time in months they have a vital role to play in the recovery effort but also in helping our residents to stay safe.

“As a council we have outlined a number of proposals to create more space to ensure people feel safe and confident when visiting town centres, shopping areas and busy streets as well as along the coast. This will in turn support businesses as they begin to reopen.”

The council officer also said businesses in the borough have a key role in helping to prevent the spread of infection.

She added: “Local businesses have a crucial role to play in keeping their customers and the public safe by following the Government guidelines around social distancing and carrying out the necessary risk assessments to prevent the spread of infection.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts and sacrifices to combat this virus and stay safe.”