Council leader voices concerns over scrapping of Covid-19 restrictions

Sefton Council leader, Cllr Ian Maher has welcomed ongoing signs that the country is beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic but has urged caution after the Government announced this week it is ending most of the current precautions.

Cllr Maher said: “Of course, it is good news that the country is continuing to emerge from the grip of COVID but just last week the Office for National Statistics reported that as many as one in 20 people in England are infected with coronavirus.

“Therefore, like many people across the country, I am concerned that Boris Johnson is scrapping some of the measures in place to keep us all safe, too soon.

“The Prime Minister’s decision to remove the legal requirement for people who test positive to self-isolate at home from Thursday this week but still recommend they still do so until 1st April is likely to cause confusion.

“This contradictory advice combined with Mr Johnson’s announcement he is scrapping the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme and the payment of Statutory Sick Pay from day one of being infected with coronavirus, is likely to pressure people into going out to work when they are unwell and infectious to others.

“This could result in people who are most at risk and immune-compromised feeling pressured to go out, possibly out of economic need, despite them being highly vulnerable to the still-serious effects of COVID-19.”

A YouGov survey carried out earlier this month showed that 75% of the 4451 British adults surveyed thought that people testing positive for COVID-19 should be required legally to self-isolate at least for the next few months. Almost 50% thought this should be the case permanently.

After previous Government relaxations of measures to help keep people safe, Sefton Council has advised people to remain cautious and considerate to others. Advice has included continuing to wear face coverings in busy indoor areas and on public transport and maintaining distancing where necessary.

Cllr Maher added: “I have said how grateful I am for all the sacrifices our Borough’s residents and businesses have made throughout the pandemic to look after each other and the most vulnerable. I remain confident that despite the Government now pulling the plug on much of the remaining support that is still needed, this caring approach will continue in Sefton.”