Restrictions may be lifted but Covid is still with us, warn health leaders
‘Covid-19 hasn’t gone away yet’ is the message from West Sussex Public Health leaders as the UK prepares for restrictions to be lifted.
The advice follows the Prime Minister’s latest announcement in which he expected all health protection restrictions to be lifted on July 19.
Until that time and to Keep West Sussex Safe, we should all continue to wash our hands regularly, give each other space and keep two metres apart, wear a face covering when in enclosed indoor public spaces and let in fresh air by ventilating indoor spaces.
Alison Challenger, director of public health for West Sussex, said: “Covid-19 hasn’t gone away just yet. Infection rates in West Sussex remain
lower than in many parts of the country but have been rising steadily since mid-may in line with the national trend. At the end of June, we saw just under 1,200 new cases in the space of a week.
“At the same time, the vaccination programme is continuing at a tremendous rate, with more than 622,000 people in West Sussex having
now received at least one dose. That’s around 83 per cent of our population.
“I ask that everyone continues to play their part in protecting their friends, family, colleagues and communities in West Sussex over the next few weeks. People are reminded to follow the sensible hands, face, space and fresh air measures, booking and attending both your vaccination appointments as soon as possible, and getting tested regularly and isolating if you test positive.
“The coronavirus pandemic has had such a huge impact on our lives in so many ways that it’s understandable many of us will want to return to life without restrictions.
Vaccinations are the key to bolstering our protection, reducing the severity of the virus and helping us to find a way of living with it.”
Councillor Bob Lanzer, cabinet lead for public health, said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement gives us cautious hope the restrictions on our lives will soon be lifted.
“He also made clear, however, that the pandemic is not yet over and that as we open up further there will be a greater emphasis on personal responsibility.
“This means that while the health protection measures will no longer be mandatory, the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance will still be sensible and proportionate measures that we can all follow to manage and help reduce the risk to ourselves and each other.
“Above all, please do make sure you book and attend both your vaccination appointments as soon as possible. It’s the best defence against the virus.”