South Holland District Council leader warns that Covid is 'far from a thing of the past' ahead of the removal of restrictions

Residents in South Holland have been urged to be cautious when Covid restrictions are eased next week.

The Government is due to lift the remaining measures introduced to control the pandemic on Monday - and council leader Gary Porter welcomed the move.

However, he also said it's important people remain cautious as cases rise.

In South Holland, the current Covid infection rate is 106.3 per 100,000 people - almost double the figure of a week ago (55.8). The national rate is 336.7.

Coun Porter said: "With the Government having now confirmed the planned changes to the country's Covid-19 guidance from Monday, it feels like a time for relief and celebration after an incredibly difficult 16 months.

"The collective effort amongst our communities that has allowed us to get through these lockdowns and restrictions has been a much-needed positive and inspiration during hard times, and the need for this continued joint responsibility will not suddenly end from next week.

"Whilst we are taking a positive and long-anticipated step in the right direction, we must remain aware that Covid is far from a thing of the past, and this is instead a move to a new phase of living with the virus and its impact, made possible through the success of our vaccination programme."

In South Holland, 65,319 people have had their first dose of a Covid vaccine - 79.9% of the adult population. Almost two thirds of adults (65.4%) have had both jabs.

Today and tomorrow, the NHS is running events in Spalding to try to offer vaccines to those not yet doubled jabbed.

Coun Porter added: "As I'm sure you have seen, cases continue to rise across the country, and now is not the time for us to become complacent or to get ahead of ourselves with the progress we have made. I'm sure, like me, you are ready to take the next step towards what feels like normality, but please continue to follow some of the simple steps that have helped slow the spread of the virus over the last year.

"When out and about please continue to be mindful of those around you - not only do you not know whether they may be carrying the virus, but also their own feelings towards it and how they may be feeling returning to public. Simple things like continuing to wear your face coverings in crowded or confined spaces and sanitising your hands regularly remain small things that can make a big difference.

"Few places have felt the impact of the pandemic greater than our local and independent shops, hospitality venues and businesses, and they will need your support more than ever in the coming months. So whether its retail therapy, a meal out or the simple pleasure of a pint that you've been missing, please get out there and support those working hard in our towns and villages, whilst remaining respectful of those out doing the same and the rules each business may choose to have in place.

"Choosing to live with something is different to it having gone away forever and, as with everything from cars to bungee jumping, following the advice and guidance in place and doing everything we can to avoid unnecessary risk is the best way to keep everyone safe. Thank you for all you have done so far, and what you will continue to do in the coming weeks and months to help us build and recover from the impact of Covid."