New winter campaign launched to tackle Covid spread in Suffolk
People in Suffolk asked to consider if their actions are worth spreading the virus.
A fresh winter campaign has been launched to tackle Covid-19 in Suffolk, urging people to consider what would motivate them to be responsible.
What’s It Worth? has been launched countywide by public sector chiefs, encouraging people to wear face masks in enclosed public places, continue regularly washing hands and testing frequently to reduce the spread of the infection this winter.
Launched in the same week that the county became an Enhanced Response Area that means national teams are helping co-ordinate Covid-response efforts locally, the fresh campaign is encouraging people to consider the freedoms they enjoy that were threatened by the virus during lockdown, such as going to the pub, seeing family and friends or going to Ipswich Town games.
Stuart Keeble, director of public health at Suffolk County Council, said: “We know that doing very small acts in our lives can keep Covid-19 and other winter viruses under control – we’ve lived it for more than 18 months.
“Today, however, we face new challenges with high infection rates and continuing hospitalisations at exactly the same time that NHS is trying to catch up on delayed treatments for millions of people. We have additional support from Government, but we must all play a part. We must tackle this together.
“The new campaign asks people to consider what those small acts are worth. For me, I wear a mask so that I can meet my parents at the weekend. We all have personal reasons why we keep Covid-safe – this campaign acts as a reminder of those.”
The new campaign is set to feature targeted messages for teenagers, where some of the infection spread is most prevalent, as well as a mailout to all homes from November 15 reminding people that the pandemic is not over.
Public health chiefs say the county is currently seeing around 400 new cases per day, and was now spreading among the over 60 age groups where people could be more vulnerable.
Messages will also centre around a fictional family, the Garnhams, shown living their lives while maintaining Covid measures.
The council said it was ‘a deliberately positive approach helping people to learn to live with Covid’.
The campaign has five key asks of people across the county:
Getting fully vaccinated and taking up a booster when it is offered
Continuing to wash hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand gel where that isn’t possible
Wearing a face covering in crowded areas
Ventilate indoor spaces
Get tested regularly and stay at home if you are unwell
Visit https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/ for latest information.