As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and England moves to stage 4 of the Government road map, Cllr Danny Thorpe, London Councils’ Executive member for Health and Care, said:
“London boroughs are determined to keep supporting local communities and businesses as official restrictions are eased on 19th July.
“A big thank you to everyone who has followed the rules over the past 16 months. We really appreciate the many sacrifices you have made to keep London safe.
“This is not the end of the road, but the next stage of our response to the virus. Case rates are increasing across the country and people are still at risk of getting Covid-19 and ending up in hospital.
“Many shop workers, doctors, nurses and other NHS staff, TfL and council workers have been working throughout the pandemic, facing high levels of exposure to Covid-19. We all owe it to them to continue to protect their safety by wearing masks on buses, the tube, and wherever we are asked to do so. This will also include council buildings and facilities, as well as health settings.
“Our message to London is simple: keep it on for now, and help us to protect our staff, our public sector workers and each other.
“People who are clinically vulnerable have had a very difficult time, often living in isolated conditions and dealing with high levels of anxiety about their health when travelling either to work or to medical appointments. I know that Londoners will want to support them by continuing to wear masks in crowded spaces.
“Getting vaccinated is key to protecting London in the long term. It is amazing that more than 9 million vaccines have been delivered in London but there is still work to do. Boroughs will continue our efforts alongside the NHS and volunteers to ensure no one is left behind and all Londoners get their jabs.
“We are also supporting PHE London and Government in promoting testing and helping Londoners who face barriers to self-isolation if they test positive.”
Public health messages for London post July 19th:
Covid-19 has not gone away, so as life begins to return to normal it's more important than ever to help keep London safe.
- Wear face coverings on public transport and busy areas
- Remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser when out and about
- Keep your distance in busy areas
- Meet outside as much as possible and if you are meeting inside keep windows open
- Get your two doses of the vaccination as soon as possible
- Get free rapid tests twice a week