Public are asked to do everything to minimise risk as freedoms return
BUSINESSES and residents in Staffordshire are being urged to make the easing of lockdown work – as the country wins back more freedoms from today.
People can now meet indoors in groups of up to six or two households. Pubs and cafés can now also serve indoors and care home residents can see up to five visitors.
Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “It is a day we have all been looking forward to and it is really fantastic to seen more of Staffordshire open once again.
“As a county council, we are determined to do everything we can to help the county bounce back, investing in the economy and creating more jobs and opportunities as we emerge from this pandemic.
“We have come along way to reach this milestone today and it is important that we all continue to play our part in making each step of lifting the lockdown work.”
The county council is encouraging people to get tested twice weekly, take up the vaccine when eligible and continue to stick to the guidance in this next phase of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director for health and care, said: “While this is a huge and welcome boost for our wellbeing and our local economy, Covid is still very much out there as the spike in new variants in parts of the country is showing.
“So please, as we gain more freedom back, enjoy this safely and do everything you can to minimise the risk from Covid to yourself, your family and your friends.”
Residents can find more information on testing options available to them at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ testing.
Anybody with symptoms should book a test via www.gov.uk/getcoronavirus-test or by calling 119.