Council leader urges continued 'cautious approach' ahead of final lockdown lifting

Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah

A 'cautious approach' ought to be the immediate way forward for Oldhamers ahead of the proposed final lifting of lockdown date, July 19.

That's according to Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah as she reacted to the news that as from that date, despite Covid cases still rising, all social distancing rules will be lifted and face coverings will no longer be a mandatory requirement in many settings.

“We are Oldham and we’re in this together," said Cllr Shah.

"Throughout the pandemic, people from all communities across our borough have been fantastic.

"They’ve followed the rules and have worked hard to keep each other safe.

“Caring for each other and looking out for the most vulnerable should not stop just because national Covid restrictions are being relaxed; particularly as cases of Coronavirus here in Oldham are high, and rising.

“We know from throughout the pandemic that, in our borough, underlying inequalities mean people are more vulnerable to Covid.

"We have more people who can’t work from home; more people in public-facing roles; more people living in overcrowded homes and more people who are reliant on using public transport.

"This is a concern for us if Covid restrictions are lifted altogether.

“We therefore need to take a cautious approach.

"This means getting tested regularly, taking up the vaccine when it is offered, and continuing to wear a face mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, if you wish to do so, to protect yourself and others around you.

“It is a risk to go from the position we’re in now to no restrictions at all.

"It suggests everything is back to normal – when this is far from the case.

"It’s therefore up to all of us to keep pulling together, being sensible, and doing our bit to keep Covid rates as low as possible, even when restrictions are lifted.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.