Residents of COVID hotspots should “carefully consider” new freedoms, Van-Tam warns | UK News

People living in COVID hotspots should “think carefully” about the new freedoms that have emerged this week, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said.

As of Monday, May 17, up to six people, or two households, have been allowed to meet inside.

In addition, domestic hospitality – pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, concert halls, children’s play areas, hotels, guesthouses, indoor exercise classes – was allowed.

When asked during a briefing if he would advise residents of areas such as Bolton where coronavirus rates are high from taking advantage of lockdown rule changes this week, he said: ‘I would advise residents of these areas think very carefully about freedoms. they have, weigh the risks and be very careful. “

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England’s deputy chief medical officer added at the Downing Street press conference: “If it is possible to do something outside, it is better to do it outside.

“If it is possible to do something with a smaller number, with people you know rather than with several new contacts, it is better to do it.

He continued, “The government has given people the freedom to start making these judgments on their own.

“And I understand that we cannot live for years and years with rules, people will have to learn to manage these risks of COVID for themselves because it is not going to go away in the short term, medium term and probably the long term.”