WARWICKSHIRE residents are being urged to act now to avoid a local lockdown.
Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Public Health is advising residents do not mix indoors with anyone they do not live with, except for close friends or family who are part of their support bubble.
It is to slow down the increase in coronavirus cases and stop stricter measures imposed across the county.
Director of Public Health Dr Shade Agboola says it comes as some places have seen a rise in household transmission with some areas going above 100 cases in 100,000.
She told the Observer: “We have been working really hard with our district and borough colleagues over the last few weeks to bring infection rates down in key areas such as the hospitality industry, and those measures have been very effective. Businesses have really stepped up their game and are working as hard as they can to ensure that their premises are covid secure. However, household transmissions are on the rise, with people choosing to visit family and friends in their homes, over going out.
“I understand residents may have concerns around visiting venues outside their homes to meet up with family or friends. However, when meeting in the home, people are becoming complacent and forgetting about essential guidance such as keeping a two meter distance from those they do not live with. They are also being lulled into a false sense of security that it’s ok to hug and have close contact with those they are visiting.
“In order to control the virus and reduce the chances of Warwickshire being put under stricter measures, I am urging all residents to take action now and not mix indoors with anyone they do not live with, except for close friends or family who are part of their support bubble.”
And health spokesman coun Les Caborn added: “Our best defence from covid 19 is to make sure we don’t take it home with us. This means washing our hands, wearing a face covering, keeping a social distance and, for now, working to reduce the number of contacts we make.
“Anyone who has symptoms such as a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss of taste or smell, should isolate immediately with their household and not mix with anyone else or go anywhere except to take a test.
“If we limit our social contacts now, and continue to wash our hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and keep more than two metres from anyone we don’t live with, we will be able to continue doing the things we enjoy without increased local lockdown restrictions.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk for more updates on staying safe.
