Swindon NHS sites to keep social distancing and face coverings
Visitors to the sites will be asked to wear face coverings and observe the metre-plus rule
Although so-called 'Freedom Day' arrives on Monday 19th July, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group says social distancing and facemasks will remain in place as an extra layer of protection against Covid.
Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors in the region. These measures will continue across GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare environments.
The NHS says this protection is particularly important for patients with compromised immune systems, as well as helping to protect frontline staff. It's hoped this guidance will also provide reassurance to people who are currently feeling anxious about restrictions being lifted.
The current rate of infection in Swindon is 281 per 100,000, and cases are expected to rise rapidly as restrictions ease from the 19th July.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier this week that most coronavirus-related restrictions in England could be lifted from Monday, with people asked to 'remain cautious and take a pragmatic approach to mask wearing and social distancing'.
The success of the covid-19 vaccination programme has been cited as one of the main reasons why the lifting of social distancing measures at this time has been possible.