Bristol’s director of public health has spoken of her hope that we are coming out of lockdown for “the last time”.
But Christina Gray says the situation is “fragile” with several European countries facing fresh restrictions amid a spike in coronavirus and the city’s rate remaining stubborn.
Her comments in a Bristol City Council email newsletter to residents on Tuesday (March 30) came the day after the country moved to the next step of the Government’s Covid-19 roadmap, which she said had only been possible thanks to everyone following the guidance.
She said: “Evidence has shown that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors, and taking this unlocking one step at a time, slowly and carefully, is our best chance for making this the last time we go through this process.
“I want to thank everyone for everything you’ve done so far to protect yourselves and one another.”
Ms Gray said Bristol’s rate for the week up to March 23 was 50 new cases per 100,000 population which was lower than the England average of 56.
“You will be aware of the situation in Europe at the moment, where countries are seeing high rates of infection along with new variants of concern and are having to slow the pace of easing restrictions,” she said.
“This is a reminder to us all that Covid-19 is still circulating and is still dangerous.
“We are at a point where we can begin to get out of doors and to resume some normal activities, however the situation is fragile and we must proceed with caution.
“Let’s take this one step at a time, for the last time, together.”
As of Monday, March 29, people can now meet outdoors in a group of either six people or as two households.
Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts and open-air swimming pools, can reopen and organised sports are allowed.
People should continue to socially distance, work from home where they can and minimise journeys, while avoiding busy and popular spots.
