Residents and visitors are being reminded to continue to stay safe, stay apart and wash their hands regularly. Following social distancing guidelines and washing your hands properly will help keep us and others safe and well, whilst reducing the spread of the Coronavirus.
Following further easing of restrictions at last week’s Government briefing (11 June), with the Prime Minister announcing that small ‘bubbles’ can be formed outside of your own household from Saturday 13 June, and with many shops set to reopen from today, the council is reminding residents that social distancing measures are still in place, and that you should always keep a 2m distance between yourself and others from outside your home, or outside of your ‘bubble’. Anyone that comes in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and hasn’t adhered to social distancing measures will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate for 14 days. If you have not been within two metres of someone then you will not be regarded as a contact and you will not be required to self-isolate. Visit NHS.UK for more information on the test and trace system.
Residents are also reminded that from today (Monday 15 June), face coverings are required when using public transport. Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of Public Health, said:
“Whilst we continue to adapt to the new ‘normal’, it is vital that residents and visitors to Southend continue to adhere to social distancing measures as doing so can prevent the spread of coronavirus. Keeping your distance could also mean that you don’t have to self-isolate through the new national test and trace system.
“Even now as we approach a sense of normality, if large groups of people ignore the guidance, we risk taking steps backwards.
“Everyone has sacrificed, suffered and battled for us to be at this point, and we owe it to all our key workers, including NHS staff, waste collection crews, carers and many more, to continue to work together.”
Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:
“With many shops that have remained closed throughout the pandemic set to reopen, I would urge everyone to err on the side of caution and continue to keep the 2m distancing and to keep doing the basics like good handwashing for at least 20 seconds.”
For up to date information on Coronavirus, please visit www.southend.gov.uk/coronavirus
