Posted on Tuesday 8th September 2020
Image of billboard that reads 'Coronavirus is in Burton Upon Trent.'
People living in COVID-19 hit areas of Burton are being urged to follow new guidelines in a bid to curb the spread of infection and avoid compulsory “lockdown” in the town.
The updated guidance covers ten points which everyone in Anglesey, Shobnall, Horninglow and Eton Park should now follow.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: “Despite local efforts, infection rates remain high and we must act now to avoid a local “lockdown.”
“This could be our last chance to get things back under control, save lives, and prevent further measures being imposed by Government, which could see families being told to stay at home and businesses closed.”
The updated advice comes into force from today. Full details are available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/burtonoutbreak
In brief these are:
- Cases and close contacts: Anyone who gets symptoms must stay home for ten days and get a COVID-19 test. Close contacts must stay at home for 14 days. Spot checks will be made to make sure people are in
- At home: Your household can meet one other household per week with a maximum of ten people at any gathering
- In gardens: You can meet outdoors with up to six people from other households or up to ten people if everyone is from only two households
- Extremely vulnerable: Any residents who have recently been ‘shielding’ should continue to take extra care
- Face coverings: Must be worn on public transport and in shops. Full list of places here
- Organised indoor gatherings: This includes weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies, activity clubs and support groups. Maximum of 30 people and COVID-19 precautions to be taken
- Organised outdoor gatherings and events: Keep your space, at least 2m, follow stringent hygiene measures and keep records of who attended
- Businesses: Must follow the national advice here Spot checks, penalties and even closure for those who flout rules
- Shops: Small local shops should allow no more than two customers at one time
- Pubs, bars and restaurants: Groups of no more than two households and a maximum of ten people indoors. Contact details must be left
Since July, there have been 123 confirmed cases in the four wards, including 10 in the last seven days. This is a rate of 30.6 cases per 100,000 people – around three times the Staffordshire average and is increasing.
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care, said: “People must take coronavirus seriously and follow this new guidance in every areas of their lives.
“This is a critical time in the race to prevent the spread of infection further and we are appealing to residents and businesses to do everything they can to help us contain this virus while we still can.”