Worries about complacency over Christmas on Yorkshire Coast

There are worries people on the Yorkshire Coast could become too complacent over Christmas after the tier announcement.

Author: Karen LiuPublished 18th Dec 2020

There are worries people on the Yorkshire Coast could become too complacent over Christmas after the tier announcement.

In and around Scarborough, Whitby and Filey will remain in Tier 2 whilst Bridlington and the East Riding will stay under Tier 3 restrictions.

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead at the Humber, Coast and Vale Partnership, said:

"Delaying our celebrations into next year seems sensible really if we can do that. We just have to understand that it's going to take weeks and months to get the vaccine to all areas of our neighbourhoods.

"We're here to save lives, protect the vulnerable and keep services going. We know the virus is still out there and we do have to be very, very vigilant and we do have to be very wary over this Christmas period.

"Talk to your family and ring them up as things are changing every day. What do they all think about it? It might be that people say 'why don't we go for a walk? Or let's do something different'. I think the first thing to do would be to be kind to each other, pick up the phone and talk to each other.

"Everybody really have to take responsibly and take care. It might feel odd that certain areas and roads are in different tiers but that's the way of the world and at the minute, our world is about reducing the effect and the impact of Covid-19."

Here is a message from the Humber, Coast and Vale Clinical and Professional Group and Directors of Public Health

"It is incredible news that we now have a vaccine against Covid-19 and that this has started to be given to people in our region. Over the coming weeks, the vaccination programme will continue to be expanded and more local vaccination services will be offered across the region.

"The NHS will get in touch to let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. This is a phased rollout and it will take many months for all of the eligible groups to be vaccinated.

"This is hopefully the start of us getting back to normal - but it is only part of the solution and we all still need to follow the safety guidance for some time yet.

"With Christmas fast approaching, many of you will be making plans for the festive period. It is important that we all continue to follow the national guidance and think carefully about how we can minimise the risk of spreading the virus during this period. Covid-19 won’t take a break for Christmas.

"We urge people to shop safely over the Christmas period and to follow the best practice around ‘Hands, Face, and Space’.

"People can travel to places that are open, but should reduce the number of journeys they make and walk or cycle if possible. If you are using public transport, by following just a few simple steps we can massively reduce our chance of spreading Coronavirus when travelling:

• Wear a face covering on public transport

• Wash your hands before/after travelling

• Keep as much distance away from others as you can

• Use contactless options to pay for your ticket

• Avoid busy times and routes.

"Please also remember, anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 – a fever, a new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell – should isolate from others immediately and book a test online or by calling 119.

"We all know that this festive season will be like no other but we also know that we need to avoid the spread of Covid-19, which is perhaps the worst Christmas gift we could give to someone this year. Across our communities we have had to make sacrifices. Many important festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah, as well as birthdays, anniversaries and other life events, have been, or will be, celebrated very differently in 2020.

"This has been a year like no other.

"Yet throughout, we have shown that by coming together as communities we can make a difference and support those most in need. We have seen the local infection rates fall across our whole region in recent weeks thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of everyone in sticking to the rules and looking out for one another. What better way to show community spirit during this festive period than by staying safe, sticking to the rules and looking out for one another."

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