COVID-19 cases will continue in Solihull borough, warns the council leader.
Councillor Ian Courts said today is his latest newsletter: “Over the last few days, the media has been full of speculation about relaxing the lockdown restrictions. It really concerns me, from what I see when I am out and about, that some people are now thinking that ‘we are on the way out’ of this crisis.
“Technically, with our alert level now at ‘three’, we are likely to see a more gradual relaxation of restrictions, although we must remember that level three means the virus is still in general circulation. As we open up more of the economy and our social spaces, we could run the risk of creating opportunities for the virus to spread.
“We will continue to see cases locally for some time and it’s essential that people get tested quickly and self-isolate if they have any symptoms. We have also put in place plans to get on top of any outbreaks rapidly, as this is key to keeping the virus numbers low and stopping it spreading.
LPrevention is better than cure. Face coverings are now mandatory on public transport and appropriate if we have to go into enclosed public spaces, but we must continue with social distancing, hand-washing and keeping social interaction to a safe minimum.
“The latest scientific evidence shows that the chance of encountering coronavirus in the community has continued to decline. This means that the government is relaxing advice to those 2.2 million people who have been shielding. The relaxation is in two stages, but of course, extra care should be taken to minimise contact with others by maintaining social distancing.
“From Monday 6 July, they can spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people (including those outside of their household. This can be in a public outdoor space, or in a private garden or uncovered yard or terrace.
“Those who are shielding and live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules that are already in place for the wider population.
“Then from Saturday 1 August, the advice to those shielding will be further relaxed. It will mean people who are clinically extremely vulnerable can go to work or to the shops, as long as they are able to maintain social distancing. Support for those shielding will be extended to the end of July – this includes the delivery of food and medicines. More on this announcement here.
“This is all welcome news for those who have been shielding over the past three months. Now everyone else awaits the outcome of the review of the social distancing guidelines and announcements about re-opening more aspects of life. Whatever relaxations are made, we have to recognise they will be gradual and we won’t see a sudden switch back to the way things were before lockdown. We simply can’t risk another spike.”
