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Leader’s roadmap response

27 February 2021

3 Min Read

27 February 2021

Leader responds to government “roadmap” out of lockdown
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Haringey leader responds to government “roadmap” out of lockdown

By Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter and Luchia Robinson

The pandemic is far from over – and people need to keep following restrictions and public health guidance designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.

That was the message from Haringey Council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor after the government set out a “roadmap” to ease lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Under the plan, the lockdown will be lifted in four stages, beginning with the reopening of schools on 8th March, and moving gradually towards the lifting of all restrictions from 21st June.

This will depend on four “tests” centred on the success of the vaccine rollout and the level of Covid-19 infection rates.

Cllr Ejiofor said: “It is almost a year since we went into the first lockdown, and we have faced some of the most challenging times ever witnessed in this country. But we are finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with this roadmap out of lockdown, and I am looking forward to a time when we can get back to normality and do more of the things we used to enjoy.

“Spending time with family and friends should never be taken for granted again, and it will be great for everyone when we can go out and enjoy our high streets, restaurants and other social spaces in the borough.

“I know this will give everyone a major lift at a time when we have once again had to make huge sacrifices during the lockdown period.

“But I cannot stress this enough – the pandemic is far from over, and we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas now. We have still got a long way to go and must ensure that we keep following the restrictions and public health guidance that has been put in place.

“It is vital that everyone gets vaccinated against this deadly virus when we are given the opportunity. Together, we can all play our part in helping to stop the spread of the virus in Haringey and move one step closer to seeing our loved ones once again.”

In response to the government roadmap out of lockdown, Professor Kevin Fenton, London regional director for Public Health England said:

“Rates across the country are still relatively high and things will only be eased as the rates come down, numbers of people vaccinated increase, the number of new variants is low and we are sure that the vaccines offer protection against hospitalisation and death.

“At the moment, we continue to be on the right track with these measures in London, however continued improvement will require all of us to play our part in further reducing transmission, protecting ourselves and each other.

“Get tested regularly if you’re a key worker keeping our city moving, and if you have symptoms, self-isolate immediately and arrange a test. Finally, protect yourself and others by taking up the life-saving vaccine when eligible.

“Taken together, all of these actions will give us the best opportunity to allow us to get back to a more normal life and begin to repair some of the damage this pandemic has caused London and the rest of the country.”

More details on the government’s plan to lift restrictions are available here.

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