COVID-19 risk: Luton's director of public health warns residents 'still stay at home as much as possible'

Luton Borough Council is appealing to the public not to lower their guard and to remain extra vigilant as restrictions are slowly lifted.

Non-essential retail will resume trading on Monday, June 15, but the town centre will enforce a host of social-distancing measures including a one-way system.

Luton recently saw a sudden increase in cases, which the council has cited as evidence the infection is still spreading.

Gerry Taylor, LBC director of public health and wellbeing, said: “While the government message has changed I would still urge Luton residents to still stay at home as much as possible – it’s simply one of the safest places to be.

"Anyone can catch this disease and anyone can spread it. Not everyone who is infected will exhibit symptoms, so please don’t meet up with family and friends inside their homes.

"You must also stay away from any big gatherings where it is hard to comply with social distancing rules."

Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, leader of the council, added: “Now is not the time to relax and to become complacent.

"We have all had to make sacrifices to help reduce the spread of the virus and to save lives and it’s important we don’t undo all of our hard work."

The borough has had confirmed 800 infections over the course of the pandemic. Luton's infection rate is 373.6 per 100,000, which places it 29th highest of 150 local authorities in England and Wales.

The council advise that:

> You should stay at home as much as possible, and work from home if you can

> If you have to go out, you must keep a 2 metre (three steps) distance between you and anyone else who does not live in your home

> Avoid large gatherings and wear a face covering where you are more likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet or where it is difficult to maintain social distancing measures

> Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds and especially when you return home

> If you or anyone in your household have coronavirus symptoms – a new persistent cough, fever, or a loss/change of taste or smell, immediately self-isolate and book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Cllr Simmons added: “With lockdown easing, it’s easy to think that things are back to normal but they are not. If you do need to go out it’s even more important to follow the guidance on social distancing and handwashing frequently so that we all can keep safe.”

.For information on the latest guidance visit www.luton.gov.uk/coronavirus