Barnet leader calls for vigilance as lockdown gets even easier UK News

Council chief Barnet called on people to be vigilant as coronavirus lockdown restrictions were further relaxed.

With growing concerns about the spread of a more transmissible variant of Covid-19 originally found in India, Cllr Dan Thomas urged people to continue taking precautions to prevent the virus from spreading,

He also called on residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to perform rapid tests for the virus on a regular basis.

The leader’s comments came as a further easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday allowed indoor mixing and overnight stays in groups of up to six people or two households, while hotels and indoor entertainment venues were able to. reopen.

Cllr Thomas said: “As we gradually return to normal life and appreciate the things that we have failed to do, we need to remember that Covid-19 is still here. The dissemination of the variant originating in India makes vigilance particularly important if we are to lift further restrictions in the future.

“We need to be sane and continue to observe the now familiar ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ – wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask where needed, keep a distance safety – especially others that you do not come into contact with regularly – and make sure confined spaces are well ventilated.

“I also urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to undertake rapid tests for the virus on a regular basis. We have very good access to vaccination locally, including GP centers, pharmacies and a mass vaccination center at the StoneX stage of Saracens. This is our only long term way out of the pandemic. ”

The head of the council said the new freedoms had been gained through the “continuous sacrifices we have all made to prevent the spread of infection” and the “cautious approach to reopening.”

The third milestone in the government’s roadmap since the lockdown, which went as planned on Monday, also saw hugs between friends and family, while restaurants, cafes and pubs were able to serve customers inside .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to treat the lifting of restrictions with “a heavy dose of caution” and to “take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms” to prevent the spread of the virus.

The rate of coronavirus infection in Barnet remained low in the week to May 12, at just 20 new cases of the virus per 100,000 population.