Freedom Day: Continue to stay safe says council

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Monday, 19 July 2021 14:47

© Copyright Jonathan Billinger and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Herefordshire Council is asking people to continue to protect themselves and others as restrictions are lifted.

From today, all remaining limits on social contact will be removed and there will be no more restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting, indoors or outdoors, including life events. The legal requirements to wear a face covering will also be lifted, as well as social distancing rules. However, the Government is advising people to act responsibly to protect themselves and others.

Herefordshire Council says its staff will continue to wear face coverings when walking around council buildings, including libraries and museums, and encourage visitors to do likewise. The pre-booking system at Herefordshire Recycling Centres will also remain in place after proving to be successful at reducing queues and crowding at peak times.

Rebecca Howell-Jones, Acting Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said: “Everyone in Herefordshire has played a huge part during the pandemic and I want to thank you all. However, even though a lot of the restrictions are being eased this week, coronavirus is not going away and indeed the number of cases in the county is rising and expected to rise further.

“I therefore ask everyone to make informed decisions to protect themselves and others and to continue to play their part in keeping Herefordshire safe. I, for one, will continue to wear a face covering in indoor public settings and on public transport and would advise and encourage you to do the same. I will also try to socialise outdoors as much as possible. We all know the Hands, Face, Space (and ventilation) mantra and continuing to choose to take these actions can help protect ourselves, friends and families from COVID infection.”

We asked these people in Hereford whether they will continue to wear face coverings: