Hemel residents urged to ‘Stay at home’ to protect their loved ones and communities

The Leader of Hertfordshire County Council has said called on residents in Hertfordshire to play their part and follow the new Covid-19 lockdown measures in order to address rising infection rates in the county ahead of the festive period.

Specifically, this means following the new Government restrictions to stay at home, with more detailed information available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Ahead of the new restrictions coming into place tomorrow (Thursday), Hertfordshire County Council has also confirmed its approach to provide only the most essential services in a COVID safe way.

David Williams, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: “We are calling for all residents to play their part and stay at home as much as possible during this period – and to only make essential journeys for very specific purposes.

"We must do all we can to ensure that the new restrictions are not extended over a longer period.

“We have seen a significant rise in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks across the whole of Hertfordshire, affecting not only those of working age, but also older, more vulnerable residents.

“The County Council has a duty to ensure that the vital work of schools, care providers, those keeping our roads safe and the Fire and Rescue Service continue. We will also be following Government advice for other services such as recycling centres, libraries and registry offices. However, first and foremost we must work together to remain safe.”

Jim McManus, Director of Public Health said: “We need to act now in order to protect those vulnerable and older residents, as well as protecting the NHS during the winter period which is already seeing rising hospital admissions.

“This also includes continuing to work together as a community – and heeding caution with those outside your household to prevent the spread of the virus.

"This means following the existing guidance to wash hands, maintain social distancing, and wear a face covering. We also need those showing symptoms to self-isolate and get tested.”