Freedom Day: Southport firms, Sefton Council, hospital and Merseyrail urge caution as cases rise

‘Freedom Day’ begins this Monday (19th July), with the easing of a number of Covid restrictions – but with growing Covid numbers in Sefton, many businesses and organisations in Southport will continue to ask people to wear face coverings. 

Latest Covid figures show that Sefton has a high rate of 484.8 cases per 100,000 people, according to the Seven days to 10 July 2021. 

This period saw 1,340 people in Sefton test positive for Covid-19, an increase of 43 (3.3%) from the previous week. 

Step 4 of the Roadmap will mean: 

• FACE MASKS – no longer mandatory, although firms can make them compulsory
• PUBS – no need to scan QR code on entry and people can order at the bar
• 1M RULE – scrapped in law, meaning restaurants and pubs won’t have to space tables
• WORKING FROM HOME – WFH message will end, although firms can continue if they wish 
• CARE HOMES – cap on only five visitors will be scrapped 
• VACCINE PASSPORTS – no longer legally required but will be up to individual venues
• RULE OF SIX – scrapped. No legal limits on social contact 
• WEDDINGS & FUNERALS – no limits on numbers
• NIGHTCLUBS – no restrictions, can reopen for first time since pandemic began 
• SPORTS EVENTS – no restriction on numbers meaning stadia can be full 

Facemasks are expected to be worn in shops and at work and table service should remain in bars, the government said on Wednesday (14th July).

People in Sefton are being asked to carry on wearing masks on public transport, and in shops, GPs and hospitals and to remain careful about Covid-19 when Government restrictions ease on Monday (19th July). 

Sefton Council is advising local residents to carry on wearing face coverings in busy indoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible, continue getting tested if they do or don’t have coronavirus symptoms and to continue getting vaccinated as soon as they can.

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said:

“Covid-19 continues to be with us in Sefton and that presence will continue after Monday 19th July but if we all continue to take the precautions that could protect ourselves and others, we can carefully continue down the path back to normality.”

Buses, trains shops, supermarkets, GP surgeries and hospitals are all places where mask-wearing might make people feel safer.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:

“From Monday 19^th July the majority of lockdown restrictions will come to an end and face coverings will no longer be a legal requirement on public transport.

“However, we do expect passengers to follow government guidance and wear a face covering in crowded spaces out of respect for others unless exempt.

“As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to do as much as we can to keep our staff and passengers safe by extensively cleaning trains and stations throughout the day using specialist cleaning products.”

Sainsbury’s, which has a store on Great George’s Place just off Lord Street in Southport, became the biggest retailer to ask customers to keep wearing masks. Signs and announcements in its branches will reinforce the message.

The bookshop chain Waterstones, which has more than 280 shops across Britain including on Lord Street in Southport, also said it would ask customers to keep wearing masks.

The official advice issued on Wednesday told shops that “the government expects and recommends that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces”. It asked retailers to “consider encouraging, for example through signage, the use of face coverings by workers, particularly in indoor areas where they may come into contact with people they do not normally meet”. Similar advice applies in other workplaces.

Restaurants, pubs and bars are also encouraged to keep many of their Covid adaptations. They are told to consider asking customers to order through an app from their table, to prefer contactless payments, to discourage self-service of food and provide only disposable condiments. Venues should “encourage the use of outside space where practical”, especially for “higher-risk activity, such as exercise or when people are singing”.

Businesses in all settings are told that even though they are no longer legally required to tell customers to “check in” or collect contact details, continuing to do so is among the most important things they can do to curb Covid.

Every sector has been told to ensure adequate ventilation.

Simon Roberts, the chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said the supermarket’s decision to promote mask wearing was because staff and shoppers had said they would “feel more comfortable” if coverings stayed in place.

David Stansfield, owner of Lancashire Bathrooms on Eastbank Street in Southport, said:

“Lancashire Bathrooms Ltd on Eastbank Street will continue to look after its staff and customers by asking its customers to continue to use masks in the shop.

“Please respect our decision to say no mask will mean no entry.

“We don’t mean to be harsh but this pandemic is far from over. Thank you.”

Former Southport Champion Editor Martin Hovden said:

“If you care about your community, you MUST carry on wearing face masks on public transport and shops.

“The latest national Covid figures show yet another worrying increase in cases.

“Let’s wait until everyone over the age of 18 has been double-jabbed, estimated to be by the end of September. Surely a few more months is worth it if we save thousands of lives.”

Face coverings will continue to be required at Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital when national Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in many settings on Monday (19th July).

Hospital visiting will also remain restricted except in limited circumstances.

Bridget Lees, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies, said:

“Hospitals are different from other places. If more people come into our hospital and don’t wear face coverings, it is more likely that people will bring infection in and risk the health of vulnerable patients.

“We know how difficult it is for families with loved ones in hospital but minimising visiting is the best way to keep everyone as safe from infection as possible.”

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