The ending of COVID-19 legal restrictions from Thursday 24th February 2022 has been acknowledged as a significant step forward for local people and businesses, but health leaders are highlighting that sensible precautions will remain in place within health care settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff. We are still asking our staff, patients and visitors to wear a surgical face mask or face visor, sanitise their hands and keep a safe distance from other people. We will not be taking temperatures.
In response to the government announcement, Dr Ed Garratt, chief executive of the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, says: “The last two years have been an incredibly challenging time, and I want to say again how grateful I am to staff and volunteers for all they have done to implement one of the most successful vaccination programmes in the country.
“Without their hard work and commitment, we would not be at this stage where we can start to think of life getting back to normal, but it’s so important we continue to think of others and do all we can to protect our communities.”
Dr Richard West MBE, GP partner at Woolpit Health Centre, says: “We must remember that COVID-19 has not gone away. It is still with us and still threatens our health and wellbeing, which is why all GP practices will still require those entering their buildings to wear a face covering. This requirement will remain in place after Thursday as we must continue to protect our most vulnerable patients, who are at risk of serious illness, and protect our staff so that NHS services can continue to be provided.”
As always, we continue to follow all the national guidance available to us to keep patients, and staff safe.