'Stop following restrictions now and all we’ve achieved will be for nothing' warns public health director

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a roadmap for easing lockdown, Dr Andrew Furber, PHE North West Regional Director, has issued a reminder that 'we must do all we can to keep infection rates low' over the coming weeks and months.

The news comes as the latest NHS figures released today reveal that just over half a million people have been given their first jab in Lancashire and South Cumbria, as of February 21.

And more than 400 breaches of restrictions have been reported to Lancashire police over the last two weekends.

Despite praising the lockdown for bringing down infection rates, Dr Furber is now urging people in the North West to continue following restrictions to prevent another spike of the virus.

Dr Furber said: “The Prime Minister’s roadmap sets out a gradual and phased plan for lifting restrictions at the earliest opportunity.

“You don’t need me to tell you that lifting restrictions too quickly will mean history will repeat itself and that’s why it’s so important we do all we can to avoid another lockdown. We have been through this before. We know how quickly infections and deaths can rise when we let our guard down.

“Data will be monitored constantly and if restrictions are being eased too quickly and dates for easing restrictions need to be pushed back, they will be. Having said that, it’s clear that lockdown is working, and infection rates have fallen and continue to do so.

“This in turn has led to fewer people going into the hospital which has reduced the strain on the NHS. However, if we stop following restrictions now, everything we have achieved will be for nothing."

“Throughout this pandemic, the North West has experienced considerable challenges and loss. A variety of factors, such as social deprivation, disadvantaged communities and social issues, make the North West a complex public health environment."

Since the start of the pandemic, the North West has seen the second-highest number of Covid cases registered with Preston infection rates still sitting at 236.1 per 100,000 - the highest in Lancashire.

In total, police issued 162 fines for alleged breaches of lockdown rules last weekend, February 20 and 21 and received 360 more reports than the previous weekend.

Dr Furber added that infection rates still remain higher than the start of September last year, so people should continue to stick to the guidelines to further reduce the number of cases.

He added: “I’m so pleased to see more and more people being vaccinated each day and the efforts of those delivering and supporting the delivery of the vaccine rollout cannot be underestimated. It’s been a huge success so far. I urge you if you receive an invitation to get your vaccine - take it.

“It’s so important to remember that being vaccinated does not give you the freedom to stop following the rules as there’s currently not enough evidence to show that the vaccines reduce onward transmission of COVID-19.

“As the number of people being vaccinated continues to rise, we will be able to gather more evidence and assess their impact on transmission."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening, February 22, his roadmap out of lockdown, which included four steps that will be taken to ease restrictions and return to normality.

And in the first stage, from March 8, care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor, people will be able to travel outside of their homes to meet someone for a coffee or a chat, and schools will reopen.

Reacting to the news, Dr Furber said: “Schools being one of the first things to reopen fully on March 8 has unsurprisingly raised some questions, from pupils, parents and staff.

“PHE has worked closely with the Department for Education to introduce a ‘system of controls’ in schools to ensure social distancing can be adhered to, as well as regular hand washing and sanitisation.

“Mass testing of Secondary school children will also provide the added benefit of being able to limit transmission when it does occur and prevent outbreaks.

"That’s why we all need to work together by following the rules outside of school, as well as in school, to keep everyone safe.

“We all want to get our lives back to normal as soon as possible, including me, but it will take time and we all have a part to play.

“As restrictions ease it will be more important than ever to follow the measures. The simplest way to do this is to wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others.”

A guide to the current restrictions and the planned roadmap out of lockdown can be found here.