As England prepares to lift many remaining Covid restrictions from Monday, July 19, Northumberland residents are being urged to take a ‘sensible and cautious approach’ to keep the county safe. 
 

That’s the message from the county council’s leader and the Director of Public Health as Covid cases continue to rise. 
 

It’s important people remember the virus is still with us meaning public services including the council and the NHS remain stretched.  
 

Director of Public Health Liz Morgan said: “Cases are continuing to rise, and although case rates are no longer doubling every week, there has been a 40% increase this week. In some areas of the county, numbers have risen at even more alarming rates.  
 

“We’ve had over 2,000 new cases reported in the last seven days, but we know they’re only a proportion of the number of people with infection in the community.  
 

“We still have the 14th highest rates in England, even though we are a county with lots of fresh air and space.   
 

“The pandemic is still with us, and it is vital we all remain cautious. The Delta variant is more transmissible and continues to spread in our communities, largely amongst those who remain unvaccinated. 
 

“The more cautious we are and the slower we return to pre-covid behaviours, the more likely we are to minimise the peak and keep our businesses, services and economy running. So we all have a part to play in making this work and keeping our communities safe.”    
 

The council is continuing to encourage all adults to get their Covid vaccinations. Appointments are available through www.nhs.uk  or at walk-in vaccination centres throughout the region so for those who haven’t already, please make sure you take up this offer and get both doses.  
 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: “The past 18 months have been extremely difficult for everyone but there are positive times ahead. 
 

"However, we must all take a sensible and cautious approach to ensure the progress we’ve made is not wasted in the coming weeks and months. 

"As a council we’ll be taking all reasonable steps to reduce risks to keep our residents and staff safe, with regards to opening up our services and our buildings. 
 

“So we’d ask everyone to please keep doing what they’ve been doing for a little longer be considerate of the concerns of our more vulnerable residents who are perhaps more hesitant about Step 4 and enjoy the lifting of restrictions in a safe way.” 
 

Cllr Sanderson added: “Whilst the next step in the roadmap brings us all some hope, step 4 is the next phase in managing the pandemic, and we must learn to live alongside Covid-19 as safely as possible.”