Liverpool Chamber’s Chief Executive responds to recent Liverpool Heath Protection Board Statement.
Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber, said:
“Liverpool Chamber is supporting this important statement as it aims to provide a robust platform for the city region to plot its own return to normality in a time of continued uncertainty.
“The easing of lockdown restrictions on July 19 does not necessarily remove all challenges for businesses and many unknowns still remain, not least the question of who carries the burden of responsibility for the enforcement of individual standards.
“In the absence of clear and concise guidance from the government, it’s important that business owners do all they can to mitigate risk as cases continue to rise.
“Businesses need certainty and continuity and by taking some extra precautions where necessary for a little while longer, we can all come together to create a smooth path to economic recovery.”
Statement from Liverpool Heath Protection Board
The Government have recently outlined their plan for the roadmap out of lockdown, with restrictions no longer being a legal requirement from 19 July.
Locally, due to rapidly rising cases and hospital admissions from Covid-19, coupled with a lower vaccine uptake, we would still urge caution and encourage people living, working and visiting Liverpool to follow these 5 steps:
1. Continue wearing face coverings in crowded indoor areas where social distancing cannot be followed, such as supermarkets and on public transport, in health and social care settings, such as hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries, and where it would make others feel more comfortable.
2. Keep getting tested – Everyone should undertake twice weekly rapid symptom free testing using Lateral Flow Tests (LFT). If people experience generally associated symptoms such as a headache, a stuffed or runny nose, tiredness or weakness, aches and pains, sore throat or diarrhoea, they should take an LFT and follow up with a PCR test if the LFT test is positive.
If people have any of the main symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste they must stay at home and book a PCR test. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have symptoms, but can still infect others – so getting tested regularly will help slow the spread.
3. Get fully vaccinated – it’s shown to be safe and effective against the virus, including new variants and is the best way to keep yourself from getting seriously ill. It also reduces the risk of passing the virus on to someone else.
The Health Protection Board will continue to promote vaccination on the basis of both personal and social responsibility with a strong focus on pockets of low uptake and disadvantaged communities.
4. Existing COVID-control measures should be maintained in high risk settings (such as care homes) to protect vulnerable people in their care, including the use of face coverings.
5. All workplaces should ensure that COVID safe measures are in place, including provision of hand washing facilities and proper ventilation with external fresh air.