Stay safe as lockdown guidance eases
Sefton health professionals have come together to urge residents to stay safe and continue to play their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This comes ahead of an easing in lockdown guidance as the infection rates of coronavirus continues to fall.


From 4 July, the new guidance will allow additional businesses to open, people can meet in groups of up to two households in any location and can stay overnight away from their home with members of one other household.
Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “As we see more shops, restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions, libraries, places of worship and hotels open it’s really important that everyone remembers that hand washing, face coverings and staying at least 2 metres away from others can reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus.


“We know that it has been difficult for people over recent months not to have been able to meet with their family and friends but it’s still vital to limit the number of people you see – the more people you have interactions with, the more chances we give the virus to spread.”


Margaret Jones, Interim Director of Public Health for Sefton, explained: “With the easing of the lockdown more and more people will be out and about. If you can, you should avoid using public transport, and aim to walk, cycle or drive instead. If you do need to use public transport to complete your journey you should follow the guidelines in place and wear a face covering. It is not possible to socially distance during car journeys so, avoid travelling in a car with someone who is not part of your household.
“Make sure to wash your hands as soon as you return from the shops or work and use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. This will help to protect you and anyone you come into contact with and is critical to keeping everyone safe.”


Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, added: “If you are clinically vulnerable, meaning that you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus you can now meet people outdoors, and from 4 July, indoors but you need to be especially careful and diligent about social distancing and hand hygiene.


“We all know it is very important to do what we can to reduce the risk of people getting ill with coronavirus. Remember that by following the guidance set out, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19) useful links:

• Gov.uk: Staying safe outside your home
• Gov.uk: Staying alert and safe (social distancing) after 4 July
• NHS: Advice for everyone
• NHS: Advice for people at higher risk