Hampshire Council Leader urges public "to continue to exercise caution"

With the majority of Covid restrictions lifting earlier this week, Hampshire County Council's Leader has thanked local residents for everything they have done over the past year.

Councillor Keith Mans says the last few months have been the most challenging many of us have experienced during our lifetimes.

But he also says the virus remains with us - and he is urging the public to continue to exercise caution.

Councillor Mans said: "The past months have been the most challenging that many of us have experienced during our lifetimes. Significant personal sacrifices have been made by thousands of local people - from our social care and health workers, to our teachers and educational support staff - and of course the many families who have been unable to visit loved ones in care homes, and everyone who has lost someone close to them to the pandemic.

"It is to these residents, as well as the legions of community volunteers and the hundreds of thousands who have played their part by staying at home, getting tested and vaccinated, self-isolating, wearing face coverings and much more, to whom I would like to extend my sincere thanks.

"Of course, the virus remains with us and the numbers testing positive are once again rising rapidly, so while we look forward to new freedoms that have started this week, I would urge the public to continue to exercise caution and to maintain the very helpful practices we have become so used to."

This week while most restrictions lift, key health protections remain in place. These relate to:

Vaccinations

Getting tested if you have symptoms

Self-isolating if contacted by NHS Test & Trace or if you test positive

Detailed information is available on the Government's website.

In addition, Hampshire County Council's Public Health team are advising the following, in line with Government guidance:

Testing twice a week for those without symptoms

Meeting outdoors where possible and continuing to let in fresh air when indoors

Wearing a face covering in crowded places

Creating space when socialising

Regular hand washing

Go to www.hants.gov.uk/coronavirus for further local information and updates.

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• hampshire county council