Staying safe in town centres this summer

Although the 2m limit will no longer be in place and larger groups can meet, people are still being advised to wear masks in crowded areas and on public transport, minimise the number, proximity and duration of social visits and to test when they have symptoms or take regular lateral flow tests if they are asymptomatic.

The council put in place a series of measures in town centres last year to encourage and support people with social distancing, including widening pavements, putting in barriers for pedestrians, and putting up signage advising people to maintain a 2m distance, wear masks and wash hands regularly.

These measures are set to stay in place over the summer as people begin to get used to the new government guidance.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm, said:

Although I know many would like to see the barriers now removed in our town centres as restrictions are lifted, we are giving people time to get used to the lifted restrictions, with continued guidance about taking common sense measures to stay safe. That’s why we’re leaving the town centre measures in place for now, to reassure people as they visit and do their shopping that they can still continue to social distance and wear masks if they wish.

We will be continually monitoring the local COVID situation and will review measures over the coming weeks.

It’s important that we begin to feel that normality is in sight, but we all need to remain vigilant and take steps to keep ourselves and others safe until we are there.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:

The lifting of many of these restrictions will no doubt reassure many, but we want to be clear that people who wish to continue to social distance and wear masks in our town centres are very welcome to do so.

Covid cases continue to rise which is why it’s important to always take steps to protect yourself and those around you, especially the more vulnerable. Testing remains key, simple hand washing can do so much to reduce transmission and vaccination is one of the most important ways we can help to reduce the impact of the virus. People can get vaccinated at a range of centres across the borough, both pre-booked and drop-in, while our vaccine van continues to tour the borough too.

Latest government guidance for the 19th July onwards can be found online.

For the latest local information including how and where to book a test or vaccine visit the council website