Launching a new campaign #NotTooMuchToMask, NHS Confederation is encouraging everyone to keep protecting themselves and each other from catching coronavirus.
As the final coronavirus restrictions across England are lifted and the legal requirements to wear a face mask and social distance come to an end, leading healthcare organisations, charities, unions and medical professionals have joined forces to support the public to make sensible choices that can keep themselves and others safe from infection.
Led by the NHS Confederation, the group has launched the #NotTooMuchToMask campaign to encourage everyone to keep protecting themselves and each other from catching or passing on coronavirus at a time when cases are soaring, and hospitalisations are also rising.
Supporters include the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, NHS Providers, the British Medical Association, the Patients Association, and the Richmond Group of Charities, cancer charities, Unison and other membership bodies.
The campaign is warning that as coronavirus has not been eradicated and that with over a third of the adult population either not vaccinated or having only had one dose, it is too early for the public to let down its guard. Millions of people are still very vulnerable to catching the infection as well as passing it on to others.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid recently warned that we could see 100,000 confirmed cases a day in the weeks to come, prompting the organisations to support the public to continue to make sensible choices to help stop the virus from spreading.
The organisations are calling on the public to sign up to five key pledges to keep themselves and others safe this summer. These are to continue: wearing a face mask or covering, including where not wearing one could make someone feel unsafe; doing what they can to keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and opting for meeting outdoors, where possible; cleaning their hands regularly, including before and after social contact with those outside their household; getting tested, supporting contact-tracing measures and self-isolating, when required; and making sure they get both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and that they encourage people they know to do the same.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “We know the vast majority of the public want to continue to do all they can to protect their fellow citizens from the danger of catching or passing on Covid-19 even after the government has lifted the final restrictions in England.
“As the threat of coronavirus remains, it is not too much to ask of people to continue making sensible and cautious choices on how they go about their lives if it can keep themselves and those around them safe and we are keen to show that we support and stand in solidarity with them.”
Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: “It really isn’t too much to ask. We all have a duty to protect each other from the virus and so wearing a mask, following social distancing guidance and continuing basic hygiene measures are just a minor inconvenience and that’s all they are for the vast majority. But we also know those measures can have a major impact when it comes to reducing the spread of the disease and ultimately saving lives.”
