TV doctor Hilary Jones will head up new campaign to remind the public to stick to the Covid rules


‘Let’s take the next step safely’: TV doctor Hilary Jones will head up major new campaign to remind the public to stick to the Covid rules as restrictions ease

  • TV doctor Hilary Jones will lead ‘Let’s Take This Next Step Safely’ campaign  
  • Will encourage people to remember ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ message
  • Campaign will tell Brits to have the courage to say no to tempting rule breakers 

A major campaign will remind the public to stick to the rules and remain outside when meeting others to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

TV doctor Hilary Jones will head the Government’s ‘Let’s Take This Next Step Safely’ campaign which will run across television and radio from tonight.

It will encourage people to remember a new ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ message and resist the temptation to hug those who are not in the same household or bubble. 

The campaign will also tell Britons they should have the courage to say ‘No’ if someone tries to tempt them to break the rules. Ministers are concerned that people will see today’s easing of the lockdown as an excuse to meet indoors, even though this is not allowed until May.

TV doctor Hilary Jones (pictured) will head the Government's 'Let's Take This Next Step Safely' campaign which will run across television and radio from tonight

TV doctor Hilary Jones (pictured) will head the Government’s ‘Let’s Take This Next Step Safely’ campaign which will run across television and radio from tonight

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘As we see from rising cases in Europe, this virus still poses a very real threat. We have come so far thanks to the vaccine rollout and that progress must be protected.

‘So let’s take this next step safely, When you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance.’ 

Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said: ‘Thanks to the efforts of the public, we have reduced the number of cases and deaths but the virus is still in circulation. The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase.’

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'As we see from rising cases in Europe, this virus still poses a very real threat'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘As we see from rising cases in Europe, this virus still poses a very real threat’

The Government said about one in three people with coronavirus shows no symptoms so anyone could be spreading it without knowing. Someone who is infected releases particles into the air by breathing, talking or coughing. Research shows the risk of infection is significantly lower in fresh air than indoors.

Dr Jones said: ‘As we are approaching these milestones out of lockdown, we all must be vigilant and follow the new guidelines where we can, especially as we can now see our friends and family.’

Psychologist Laverne Antrobus said: ‘It’s really important to stick to the guidance and only meet outdoors. 

‘This may mean being put in situations where you have to say ‘No’ to joining a large group of more than six or perhaps feeling pressured to go indoors with people outside your bubble.’

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