Challenges remain despite 'gradual and phased' plan out of lockdown warns PHE North West Regional Director

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a roadmap for easing lockdown, Public Health England’s North West Regional Director, Dr Andrew Furber is asking the public to help avoid history repeating itself by doing all they can to keep infection rates low over the coming weeks and months.
 

Read more: Govt 'roadmap' out of lockdown to start with the reopening of schools for all pupils from 8 MarchPublished: 22 February 2021

Dr Furber said: “The Prime Minister’s roadmap sets out a gradual and phased plan for lifting restrictions at the earliest opportunity.

“You don’t need me to tell you that lifting restrictions too quickly will mean history will repeat itself and that’s why it’s so important we do all we can to avoid another lockdown.

“We have been through this before. We know how quickly infections and deaths can rise when we let our guard down.

“I can assure you that data will be monitored constantly and if restrictions are being eased too quickly and dates for easing restrictions need to be pushed back, they will be.

“Having said that, it’s clear that lockdown is working, and infection rates have fallen and continue to do so.

“This in turn has led to fewer people going into hospital which has reduced the strain on the NHS.

“However, if we stop following restrictions now, everything we have achieved will be for nothing.

“Throughout this pandemic, the North West has experienced considerable challenges and loss. A variety of factors, such as social deprivation, disadvantaged communities and social issues, make the North West a complex public health environment. 

“We have seen the second highest number of COVID cases in England since the pandemic began (only London has seen more). We have also had the second highest number of deaths per region during the pandemic – second only to the South East.

“Infection rates are still higher than they were at the start of September last year so we must continue to follow guidance to reduce cases further still.

“I’m so pleased to see more and more people being vaccinated each day and the efforts of those delivering and supporting the delivery of the vaccine rollout cannot be underestimated. It’s been a huge success so far. I urge you, if you receive an invitation to get your vaccine - take it. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your GP.

“It’s so important to remember that being vaccinated does not give you the freedom to stop following the rules as there’s currently not enough evidence to show that the vaccines reduce onward transmission of Covid-19.

“As the number of people being vaccinated continues to rise, we will be able to gather more evidence and assess their impact on transmission.

“Schools being one of the first things to reopen fully on March 8 has unsurprisingly raised some questions, from pupils, parents and staff.

“PHE has worked closely with the Department for Education to introduce a ‘system of controls’ in schools to ensure social distancing can be adhered to, as well as regular hand washing and sanitisation.

“Mass testing of secondary school children will also provide the added benefit of being able to limit transmission when it does occur and prevent outbreaks.

“Reassurance can also be taken from PHE research (see Surveillance in Schools study or sKIDS) which showed that transmission in primary schools was extremely low.

“Our national surveillance data shows that infection rates in school-aged children closely reflect what is happening in the local community. As prevalence of the virus in the community decreases, it is likely that cases in schools will also fall.

“That’s why we all need to work together by following the rules outside of school, as well as in school, to keep everyone safe.

“We all want to get our lives back to normal as soon as possible, including me, but it will take time and we all have a part to play.

“As restrictions ease it will be more important than ever to follow the measures. The simplest way to do this is to wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others.”