As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Richmond residents are being urged to continue doing everything they can to stop the virus spreading after national restrictions come to an end on Monday, 19 July 2021.
Over the past seven days there have been over 570 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Richmond upon Thames, and the borough has a case rate of 289 per 100,000.
Residents are therefore asked to continue to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, even if not legally required to do so, as well as to get tested, keep their space from others they do not know, stay in well ventilated areas and to get vaccinated.
Richmond Council is also continuing to ask visitors to all its buildings e.g. libraries, sports centres, and the Civic Centre, to continue to wear face coverings, to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before entering and maintain a safe distance. Council staff will also continue to observe COVID-19 safe measures when you meet them. See information regarding Council services.
Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said:
“The Government has been clear that the dangers from coronavirus are far from over, even today Professor Whitty has said we are not out of the woods and hospitalisations could reach scary numbers quite quickly. Therefore, we need to be cautious and take responsibility for our actions after the national restrictions are lifted.
“This is critical as cases continue to increase in Richmond and more people in our community become infected. The Council will be maintaining its current COVID-19-secure measures after 19 July to keep all residents and our staff safe. I know many other employers and venues are also likely to continue to exercise caution in line with the Government guidance and ask people to wear face coverings in busy indoor spaces. I hope everyone will support them and play their part to keep Richmond safe.”
Shannon Katiyo, Director of Public Health for Richmond upon Thames, added:
“COVID-19 will continue to pose a significant risk after the mandatory restrictions are lifted. We cannot afford to ease up now on our combined efforts to fight the virus.
“We are seeing an increase in the percentage of tests returning a positive result in Richmond. We know there will be people who have COVID-19 and passing it on, but don’t know it. Please take a lateral flow test to check that this isn’t you. Do it routinely twice a week, especially before you meet with other people.
“Make sure to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. There are plenty of appointments and walk-ins available across the borough. If you are vaccinated you are more unlikely to get seriously ill, be admitted to hospital, or to die.”