Oxford’s council leader and Lord Mayor are urging people in Oxford to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Just last week Public Health England announced that cases in Oxford have risen threefold, with 31 cases in the previous week. Across the country there is an increase in cases, and restrictions that were expected to lift on 1 August will stay in place. Some areas of northern England have re-imposed restrictions on socialising to tackle regional spikes.
It is now a legal requirement to wear a face mask on public transport and in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres.
“This new guidance is really important in terms of keeping us safe and keeping our retail workers, bus drivers and fellow passengers safe. Please do wear either a facemask or a face covering when going into shops or on the bus.
“It’s very easy, you just need to put it over your ears and make sure your nose and mouth are covered.
“I am concerned that there are still some who don’t understand the politeness of wearing a face mask to protect others. Please be kind, wear a mask.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
“Until we have this virus beaten, we need to all wear masks whenever we are in close contact with others. For example, in shops and hairdressers.
“This is not just to comply with the law, it is about respecting others. So please look after those around you, and together we can protect Oxford.”
Councillor Craig Simmons, Lord Mayor of Oxford
Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection. So the more people who wear facemasks the less chance the virus has to spread.
As well as following the new rules on wearing face coverings, people should continue to follow the guidance that has helped reduce the rate of coronavirus:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water
- Avoid busy gatherings
- Maintain 1 metre plus distancing
- Self-isolate if you start to have symptoms of coronavirus and call 119 to get a test.
Rate this page
