Milton Keynes workers urged to show caution ahead of further Coronavirus restrictions easing

With outdoor service resuming at pubs and restaurants, non-essential retail stores reopening, alongside gyms, hairdressers and other businesses on April 12, caution is being urged.
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Director of Public Health in Milton Keynes Vicky Head, has urged those going back to the workplace, as well as employees to continue to be vigilant in their use of social-distancing measures.

Whilst Milton Keynes' infection rate has dropped significantly since the third national lockdown began at the start of the year, it remains the highest in Buckinghamshire.

Ms Head outlined a need for caution in her statement released yesterday, saying: "Although our local COVID-19 infection rate has fallen in recent months, it is still higher than the regional average.

Milton Keynes workers are urged to remain cautious ahead of more Covid restrictions being lifted on April 12Milton Keynes workers are urged to remain cautious ahead of more Covid restrictions being lifted on April 12
Milton Keynes workers are urged to remain cautious ahead of more Covid restrictions being lifted on April 12

"Workplaces remain one of the most likely places to catch the virus. In Milton Keynes there is a young workforce who will not receive their vaccination until the summer. As the economy starts to open it is likely we will see a resurgence of cases, particularly in younger people."

As Ms Head outlined whilst a majority of Milton Keynes residents over 50 have been jabbed once with a vaccine protecting against the Coronavirus. Half the population are still waiting for their first vaccine and second doses of a Covid vaccine have not been administered on a large scale in the borough.

With that in mind, Ms Head included a series of instructions and guidelines businesses should continue to follow. She added: "Where staff do need to attend and go in to their workplace to work, it is important to continue to follow these straightforward actions to stop the virus spreading.

"Remind your employees to observe the HANDS – FACE – SPACE rules and provide the right materials, such as hand sanitiser and signage. The importance of these measures is explained in the following Government video.

"Maximise ventilation in the workspace – see practical steps below.

"Encourage employees with any cold-like symptoms to be extra cautious. This may mean isolating and booking a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or via 119.

"Establish rapid workplace testing on site or support workers to do this at home. Free rapid tests for businesses for regular workplace testing. Businesses must register interest by 12 April to access free tests."

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