Don’t drop your Covid guard, says health boss
AS the Prime Minister signalled the next stage of the roadmap to freedom from coronavirus restrictions, Torbay’s public health director said Covid-19 cases remain low – but people should stay cautious and take rapid tests to help control the spread of the virus.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant is urging people to continue to comply with social distancing and hygiene measures as the pandemic restrictions are set to be further relaxed.
He says people should take up the offer of a vaccine and seek regular rapid tests which help keep the virus rates down.
The seven-day case rate for Torbay reported on Monday was eight per 100,000 population, less than half the England average of 21. The latest hospital figures show there have been no patients with Covid-19 in Torbay Hospital since mid-April.
The Prime Minister last night confirmed further easing of England’s rules from Monday, May 17, but still urged the public to exercise caution and maintain social distancing. Under the next stage of the Government roadmap for lifting restrictions, people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors. Six people, or two households, will be able to meet indoors and people will be allowed to stay overnight with those not in their household or bubble. Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen indoors and foreign holidays to some destinations will be allowed without the need for quarantine on return.
Dr Sargeant said in a statement: “Covid-19 cases in the Bay continue to remain low which puts us in a good place as we approach step three of the government roadmap with more businesses re-opening, and people spending more time with others.
“This next step does come with risks because the virus is still here in the Bay. The threat of variants of the virus is also real, and we are moving into a time where the virus can and will spread more, unless we remain vigilant. Many people have signed up to regular rapid testing which helps protect you and all those around you by keeping the spread of the virus down.
“I urge you to do your bit for the Bay and get into the testing habit.”