Health experts' 'stay safe' plea as South Tyneside pubs prepare to reopen on July 4

The council is supporting local businesses as they prepare to welcome customers again from July 4 for the first time since lockdown.

This follows government guidance which aims to kickstart the hospitality sector with pubs, restaurants and bars allowed to open if they can abide by social distancing.

Many businesses will also be operating differently with appointment systems, screens and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Meanwhile, customers will be expected to provide their name and contact details, which will be stored for 21 days for track and trace purposes.

Ahead of the changes this weekend, South Tyneside Council health chiefs have urged the public to observe social distancing and stay safe.

“It is important to remember that the virus is still very much at large,” Director of Public Health for South Tyneside, Tom Hall, said.

RELATED: Here’s how to stay safe on your first visit back to the pub

“While we appreciate people will want to go out and enjoy themselves, and support local businesses, it is imperative that individuals act responsibly, look out for one another and help protect the health and social care system.

“The basic but critical public health advice remains the same.

“People should continue to social distance as much as possible and wash their hands more often and for longer.

“Failure to follow these simple steps could put at risk the valuable gains we have made in fighting the spread of the virus during lockdown.”

According to the new guidance, people from only two separate households can meet to socialise.

And social distancing has been amended to one metre plus when staying two metres apart is not possible.

However, the one metre guidance only applies when other mitigating factors, such as face coverings or regular hand sanitising, are used as well.

As the North East gears up for the July 4 weekend, hospitals and the North East Ambulance Service have warned of the increased demand on services and staff.

Warnings about the impact of alcohol on emergency services have also been issued by the region’s alcohol office Balance.

The NHS regional clinical lead for alcohol, Dr James Crosbie, added: “Like lots of doctors I’m anxious about what problems the opening of pubs on Saturday might bring.

“But this is more than just about one day. The NHS is not in the same place as it was prior to lockdown.

“Covid-19 precautions mean capacity in the system is reduced at a time when we need to be prepared to both deal with any new cases of the virus and also plan to reduce the backlog of routine cases that have built up.”

The track and trace service aims to identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce its spread and save lives.

Anyone displaying symptoms of the virus – such as a new continuous cough, high temperature or the loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should book a test immediately and follow advice given by the tracing service.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.

People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms.

Guidance on how South Tyneside businesses can reopen safely from July 4 can be found here: www.investsouthtyneside.com/article/69676/

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