WARRINGTON’S Director of Public Health is urging people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and carry on following the rules, as Warrington Town Centre continues to spring back to life from next week, with the reopening of many more businesses.
Thara Raj, Warrington Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “It’s been fantastic to see Warrington town centre alive with vibrant activity once more in recent weeks. We’ve worked closely with our businesses and other partners to ensure visitors can experience a safe and enjoyable return to shops and hospitality venues.
“Throughout this most challenging of periods our business community has remained positive and adaptable. This has been hugely important in ensuring public safety while celebrating all the fantastic things our town centre has to offer.
“Equally important has been the support of the public, and as we head towards the next step of the roadmap out of lockdown on 17 May – when indoor hospitality and entertainment venues can re-open – your continued support is vital.
“Please continue to follow the rules and take responsibility for your safety and the safety of others. It’s also really important that you get your coronavirus vaccination when invited and getting regular symptom-free testing can keep the number of coronavirus cases down.”
England enters ‘step 3’ of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown on Monday 17 May, meaning indoor hospitality, entertainment and attractions, and organised indoor sport will be able to reopen.
People will once again be able to sit inside pubs, bars and restaurants, enjoy a film at the cinema, and visit leisure and entertainment venues such as play centres and trampoline parks.
Up to six people or two households can meet indoors, and up to 30 people can also meet outdoors. Guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated.
Close personal contact, such as hugging, with friends and family will also be allowed. Close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and to others to make informed, personal decisions on close contact.
Please continue to follow the rules and remember the basics – hands, face, space and fresh air – when you are out and about, to ensure we can keep the number of coronavirus cases as low as possible. When indoors, make sure to take extra precautions by keeping areas well ventilated and maintaining social distancing.
Residents should also get regular symptom-free coronavirus tests to ensure they are not unknowingly spreading the virus as they venture out of the house and start socialising more. Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are available to all residents and can be ordered online, collected from participating pharmacies, or taken at one of our testing sites.
For more information on coronavirus restrictions in Warrington, visit: warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
Further changes from ‘step 3’ of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown are:
•Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals
•This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings
•Indoor accommodation, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
•Indoor adult group sports and exercise classes can go-ahead
•The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events to take place in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full, and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full.
