COVID pandemic doesn’t end on the 19th of July says Sefton Council leader

With significant numbers of people expressing concerns about the Government’s plans to remove all COVID restrictions from Monday 19th July, Sefton Council is stressing that people have the right to take whatever action makes them feel safe.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said: “It is clear from people’s reaction to the government’s announcement it plans to abandon measures to protect people from COVID from Monday 19th July that this is causing real fears for a lot of people.

“While some people will want to get rid of masks straight away, others will want to continue wearing them and have every right to do so. Wearing masks have proven to protect the wearer and those people who they come into contact with from catching COVID.

“I know many of us are now double vaccinated and feel safer but despite being jabbed up we can still contract the virus without feeling any ill effects and pass it on to others. This may include those who remain vulnerable to COVID, people with other medical conditions that make them susceptible to illness as well as front-line health workers who are acutely aware of the virus and it effects.

“So, continuing to wear a mask can be seen as an act of courtesy and consideration as much as self-protection.”

Public transport seems to be a particular concern with reports of many saying they want to see mask wearing maintained on buses and trains.

Cllr Maher continued: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m as delighted as everyone else that we are edging back to normality, but I think we need to do so in a way that takes everyone’s safety into account and after Monday 19th, that will mean us making those decisions to protect others.

“People across Sefton have made huge efforts and sacrifices to protect their friends and neighbours, their communities and people working in local business throughout the pandemic and I am confident they will show the same care and kindness.”