Recognising the concern expressed by many about the Government’s decision to next Monday’s scrap all COVID restrictions from Monday 19th July, despite growing infection rates locally and nationally, Sefton Council is recommending continued caution.

This approach is in line with the Prime Minister’s expected advice later on today.

It is advising people should continue wearing face coverings in busy indoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible, continue getting tested if they do or don’t have coronavirus symptoms and continue getting vaccinated as soon as they can.

By wearing masks, we can protect ourselves but also those around us while we are carrying COVID but not showing symptoms. And we can do this even if we have had both vaccine jabs. Buses, trains shops, supermarkets GP surgeries and hospitals are all places where mask-wearing might make people feel safer.

Everyone who doesn’t have COVID symptoms should undertake free, rapid Lateral Flow Tests twice a week. These help confirm they are not among the people who carry COVID but don’t show the symptoms, which includes those who have been fully vaccinated, who can infect others.

Anyone who does show the coronavirus symptoms of a new persistent cough, raised temperature or loss of taste or smell should take a rapid Lateral Flow Tests and follow up with a PCR test if the LFT test is positive. The should stay home and self-isolate until they have the PCR test.

Vaccination is still the safest and most effective way of avoiding COVID infection and potential serious illness. It also helps prevent you passing the virus on to someone else, although not 100%.

Anyone aged 18 or over can now book a vaccination appointment or go to one of Sefton’s walk-in sites or vaccine centres.

In addition to individuals continuing mask-wearing, testing and getting vaccinated, organisations and employers should continue to ensure workplaces are as safe as they can be with hand washing facilities and proper ventilation with external fresh air in place.

And, maintaining existing COVID-control measures in settings such as care homes could help to protect vulnerable people.

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “COVID-19 continues to be with us in Sefton and that presence will continue after Monday 19^th July but if we all continue to take the precautions that could protect ourselves and others, we can carefully continue down the path back to normality.”