Buckinghamshire encouraged to remain respectful as restrictions ease
Bucks Disability Service say many people they know are scared about the move
People in Buckinghamshire are being encouraged to continue being respectful as restrictions ease today.
Local authorities and figures are calling on people to enjoy themselves safely and with consideration to others as roadmap from lockdown reaches step 4 today.
Buckinghamshire Disability service are one group who say this easing is worrying for a lot of people with disabilities.
Chair of Trustee Andrew Clark explains:
"We are in touch with thousands of disabled people across Buckinghamshire and overwhelmingly they are scared.
"They have been relying on other people following the legal restrictions to live a normal life.
"The government themselves say 45% of people on the shielding list are still doing so and they were looking forward to coming out. But not they're being told they are going to have to stay inside because the spaces won't be safe.
"BuDS is here for people affected by Covid, people who are scared or anxious or just need someone to talk to.
"In this new phase we are doing a number of things like expanding our buddy scheme so you don't have to be isolated or alone in this.
"We have also published advice on how to keep Covid safe in this changing world which we have had clinical advice on."
Continue to play our part
We are still being encouraged to test ourselves regularly and wear masks where possible.
Aylesbury's MP Rob Butler has highlighted the importance of people continuing to get the vaccine.
He has welcomed the move today but says we must cautiously move forward:
“The move from regulations towards personal responsibility reflects the enormous progress we have made fighting the pandemic, both locally and nationally. But it’s important to remember that Covid is still with us.
“We all continue to have a part to play tackling COVID-19 and a responsibility to reduce risks from the virus.
"This means continuing to wear face coverings in crowded spaces, testing when you have symptoms and isolating if contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
“We must work together and take these next steps cautiously as we learn to live with the virus.”
What's the picture in our hospitals?
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust was caring for four coronavirus patients in hospital as of Tuesday, figures show.
NHS England data shows the number of people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 by 8am on July 13 was down from eight on the same day the previous week.
There were no beds occupied by Covid-19 patients four weeks ago in Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
What has changed today?
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th July in England, wearing facemasks is no longer compulsory. You'll no longer be legally required to wear one when you're out and about.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th there will be no legal limits on the size of groups that can gather, meaning no rule of six or bubbles to consider.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
All social distancing rules are scrapped from the 19th July
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From 'freedom day' workers are no longer being asked to work from home if possible, the government have said that people can go back into the workplace, even if they can do their job from home
What things are going back to normal?
Nightclubs and events like concerts, gigs and theatres will be able to re-open as normal from the 19th, although the government are encouraging venues like nightclubs to use Covid status certification, often called vaccine passports.
What things are going back to normal?
With no limit on the numbers that can gather and social distancing rules removed, Wedding sand funerals and other large occasions are back to normal.
What things are going back to normal?
Pubs and restaurants can go back to having people order at the bar and not have to have screens between tables, although it's thought many will keep some of the precautions in place.
Where do I need to wear a facemask?
Despite it no longer being a legal requirement, the government have made it clear that they recommend and expect facemasks to be worn in crowded areas and on public transport. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made facemasks compulsory on public transport in London, with travel operators around the country making their own decisions on rules.
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
If you're pinged by the NHS test and trace app because you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus you do still have to isolate. The government announced this will be ending for those who have had both doses of the vaccine and those under 18, but that doesn't come into force until the 16th August
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
Countries you can travel to and from and whether you need to quarantine are still regulated by the green, amber and red lists. Although from the 19th July people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to return quarantine-free to England from amber list countries