Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire Police have joined forces to issue a message urging the community to stay safe as restrictions around lockdown ar...
Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire Police have joined forces to issue a message urging the community to stay safe as restrictions around lockdown are eased.
Increasingly, there are concerns that groups in and around the town are not adhering to social distancing measures, risking their own health and transmission of the virus to others, especially those most vulnerable.
Government guidance is clear that, while groups of up to six can gather outside of their homes, they need to maintain a social distance of two metres. Other advice includes avoiding large gatherings of people, wearing a face covering if possible and regular hand washing.
With the weekend approaching fears are growing about a possible rise in Covid-19 infections in the borough. And with some shops, classed as non-essential retail, due to reopen next week, there are concerns that growing numbers of people in the town centre might increase the likelihood of the virus spreading again if social distancing measures are not observed.
Cllr Julie Jackson, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said: “I am always proud of the community spirit that we have in Nuneaton and Bedworth and now is the time to really show it.
"Stopping the spread of the virus is not just about protecting ourselves but also our loved ones and families. I urge people to stay safe and follow the guidance - not only for themselves but also for their families and communities, particularly to protect those most vulnerable to the worst effects of the virus.
"I know it means continuing to make sacrifices but I know we can do this together.”
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “We have come so far in slowing the spread of the virus and are so thankful for the sacrifices people have made in maintaining social distancing. But we are still nowhere near being out of the woods.
"Eased lockdown measures are crucial to our wellbeing and reviving our economies, but will only last if we keep protecting our own and others’ health. We still need to follow the guidance to contain the spread of the virus. We need to act as though we have the virus or as if those around us have it, however hard that might be, if we are going to protect ourselves and our families.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith from Warwickshire Police said: “The vast majority of people have shown great resolve in helping to control the spread of Coronavirus and protect the NHS.
"It is important this continues and our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the risks and encourage people by emphasising the benefits to the NHS of following government guidance.”
Government guidance to help stay safe outside the house includes the following.
Stay 2 metres apart from people outside your household ·
Wear a face covering if possible ·
Regularly wash hands thoroughly ·
Anyone with symptoms of COVID19, should not leave their house. They must self-isolate and get a test by calling 119 or by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/
For more information on COVID support and advice visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/information-coronavirus