Future lockdowns can't be ruled out says Suffolk health chief
The county's Director of Public Health thinks we'll stay on the right track if we continue to follow guidelines
The Director of Public Health for Suffolk thinks future lockdowns can't be ruled out.
Stuart Keeble explained, while we're doing everything we can, it's "hard to say" what the future might bring.
He said: "If people get vaccinated then that will reduce the risk of severe ill health and death, which is the key bit we're trying to prevent from these lockdowns. If we do that and we manage things carefully, then I think we will be heading in the right direction.
"But I would never say never, we don't know what will happen with other variants."
According to the latest Government data, there were 154 new Covid-19 cases in the week leading up to 9 April.
Meanwhile, information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 1,547 people who lost their lives in Suffolk up to 4 April had coronavirus on their death certificate.
On Monday (12 April), in line with the roadmap out of lockdown, people have been able to visit non-essential shops and mix with two households or up to six people outside.
It means hospitality venues, which can accommodate outdoor eating and drinking, and high streets have been experiencing a well-needed boost.
Despite the increase in freedoms, Stuart Keeble is optimistic it won't lead to a rise in coronavirus infections.
He added: "As long as people are being sensible when moving around then hopefully that should reduce the risk of infection. We have to balance the need to open up versus the risk of the virus spreading further.
"The key bit for me is that people take the opportunity to get vaccinated and the opportunity to get tested twice a week.
He's urging people continue to follow the rules by only meeting other households outdoors and not mixing inside until it is permitted to do so.