Epping Forest council leader on relaxed Covid rules

As of today (May 17), people in England can meet outdoors in groups of up to 30, and indoors in groups of six, or two households, with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers inside.

Museums, cinemas and other indoor attractions can reopen while the “stay in the UK” restriction will lift and people will be able to go on holiday to “green list” countries including Portugal without having to quarantine on their return.

Epping Forest District Council’s leader has welcomed the progress, but warned residents they must continue to be wary of the deadly virus.

“We must take a common-sense approach as we move forward, following the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus, especially if we have been vaccinated against Covid-19,” said cllr Chris Whitbread.

“New advice on meeting friends and family emphasises personal responsibility, caution and consideration of the risks associated with Covid-19 and actions we can take to help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Cllr Chris Whitbread.

The rate of infection in Epping Forest – expressed as the number of new infections per 100,000 residents – is currently very low.

In the seven days to May 10 there were just 14 new infections in the district, a rate of infection of 10.6.

The rate of infection has been relatively stable for the last six weeks, oscillating between 8 to 25.

Cllr John Philip, cabinet member for economic development added: “It’s great to see our high streets opening up further and helping bring prosperity back to local businesses. But it’s important that we still maintain caution in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among our community.”

Boris Johnson and health experts have also urged people to exercise caution when they head to pubs and restaurants.

The Prime Minister urged people to treat the latest easing of restrictions with a “heavy dose of caution” while Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng warned against excessive drinking for those returning to bars.

Mr Kwarteng insisted the June 21 date for the ending of restrictions in England was still likely to be met.

He told Sky News that “people should have common sense, they should use judgment and I think if we act in a reasonable way, there is no reason to suppose that we can’t reopen the economy entirely on June 21”.

Professor Graham Medley, a member of the Government’s Sage scientific advisory panel, told LBC the chances of the June 21 date being delayed was “well less than 50 per cent” but added “it is uncertain”.

The main cause for concern is the Indian variant, which is on the way to becoming the dominant strain in some places including Bolton and Blackburn.

A major campaign has been launched to encourage people in those areas to receive a jab.

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