Published on: 23 July 2020
SUNDERLAND'S Director of Public Health is urging people to play their part in the battle against Covid-19 by following the new legislation on face coverings.
Gillian Gibson's call comes as new data shows that the number of positive cases in the city is on the rise with 15 new Covid cases registered in Sunderland in the last 14 days.
She said: "We were in a really good position a couple of weeks ago with cases down to 0.7 per 100,000 people but we have seen a rise in the number of people testing positive for Covid following the continued easing of the lockdown, with new cases more than doubling from 7 to 15 in the last 14 days.
"Covid has definitely not gone away and we really are on a knife edge in terms of which way it could go. This makes it all the more essential that each and every one of us does all we can to make sure we don't reach the position where we have to consider the kind of measures we have seen introduced in places like Blackburn with Darwen or face a local lockdown like we've seen in Leicester.
"That is why it is vital that we all carry on observing two metre social distancing where we can, continue washing our hands with soap regularly for more than 20 seconds and continue to stay at home as much as possible."
Legislation coming into force this Friday July 24 makes it compulsory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets. And although the police have said they will only use enforcement as a last resort, those who fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of £100, reduced to £50 if they pay within 14 days.
While she accepts that not everyone will be comfortable with the new rules, Gillian Gibson is urging people to comply with this as another important measure in the battle to avoid a local outbreak that could trigger measures to control the spread of the virus.
Gillian said: "I know some people may find wearing a face covering a bit strange initially but this is about us all playing our part and helping to protect each other. We are seeing new research that suggests that wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread of the virus, protecting yourself and others. Wearing a face covering makes shopping safer for everyone, especially those who are the most vulnerable to the effects of the virus and we all need to be doing everything we can to help."
Face coverings don't need to be to a medical standard such as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment.
The most important thing for face coverings worn by members of the public is that they cover both the mouth and nose, and that people continue to follow good hygiene practices and maintain social distancing while wearing them.
Dr Shaz Wahid, Medical Director and Consultant Acute Physician at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“There is no doubt that the last few months have been a particularly difficult time for the NHS and our staff, who have worked relentlessly to care for a number of patients who were extremely poorly due to COVID-19. Thanks to the amazing support of the public who have followed the guidance and helped minimise the risk of the virus, we have managed to significantly reduce the amount of people coming into our hospitals with COVID-19.
“Now, more than ever, we need to see this support continue, so please protect yourselves and others and wear a face covering, continue to social distance and wash your hands regularly. These are the most effective ways that we can fight the virus together and prevent more families having to lose a loved one during this pandemic.”
People also need to remember to wear a face covering at all times on public transport and when attending a hospital as a visitor or outpatient unless they are exempt on medical grounds. Sunderland City Council is also asking people to wear face coverings when they visit Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, council libraries and customer service centres from Friday.
Anyone who develops a new or continuous cough, a fever, or experiences a change to their taste or sense of smell should self-isolate immediately and book a coronavirus test. To find out how to book a test, visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
