Following the recent announcement from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, about the lifting of restrictions on 19th July, Mr Foster has made the following statement;
“Given the success of the vaccination programme, especially here in Torbay, today’s news is welcome. I appreciate there will be concerns and some will be nervous, but there would never be a risk free time to move forward with Step 4 and the delay of four weeks has allowed millions of extra second jabs to be provided to those aged over 40 and for everyone over 18 to be given the chance to get their first jab, following those with underlying health conditions and older age groups having already had the chance to be double vaccinated previously.
“This is the most appropriate time for this move, not only for the boost it will give our tourism sector over the summer, but just as schools break for the summer. Over the last 18 months residents across our bay have done their bit to combat this threat to our community and I know many will go on doing so, but a lockdown enforced by law cannot be a permanent situation.”
“Some will wish to continue wearing face coverings and we should all be conscious of those who may feel less comfortable if we are close to them without wearing one, especially indoors. For my own part it will still make sense to wear one on a crowded train or bus and if in close contact with someone else, for example when getting a haircut, yet the time has passed for this to be an issue where the Police can fine people or have to identify if a specific exemption applies to someone not wearing one.”
ENDS
