Please keep following social distancing after government changes, says Newark and Sherwood GP
This week we are reminding people to keep up with social distancing following the changes announced by government over the weekend, writes Dr Thilian Bartholomeuz in his latest column.
I am sure this has been welcome news, but it is important that we must adhere to social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of infection.
Keeping two metres apart reduces the risk of transmission of the virus and this is crucial to overcome this pandemic.
Being able to sit and chat in person with your parents, grandparents or friends in the summer sunshine will feel like a massive step forward.
I’ve written regularly in this column about the effect of the pandemic on mental health — this step will undoubtedly help minimise the sense of isolation some of us have felt and give our minds a welcome boost.
We must remember that the only reason this step is being taken is because of the hard work and sacrifice so many have made.
I know how tempting it will be to go out in the warm weather and meet up with everyone you are desperate to see.
But we must not forget how quickly we could go back to lockdown if the rate of infection increases and how stringent those original lockdown measures were.
That’s why I am asking you all, as a local GP, to have your joyful moment and meet up, but be considerate — we are still in lockdown and have to observe the below:
- Limit contact with other people
- If meeting in a group, there must not be more than six people
- Keep your distance if you go out (two metres apart where possible)
- Wash your hands regularly
By following these measures we can all enjoy the new freedoms but still keep the spread of coronavirus down and in doing so protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
If we do not follow the advice, we put ourselves at risk of getting infected and increasing infection rate in community.
Please stay safe and if you have any questions check the official advice first at nhs.uk/coronavirus
- Dr Bartholomeuz is a Newark and Sherwood GP, clinical lead at Mid Nottinghamshire Integrated Partnership and clinical chairman of Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Group.