FPH Statement on the Government’s Autumn and Winter COVID-19 Plan

Regarding COVID-19, the UK enters the autumn and winter months of 2021 in a far more hopeful position than was faced 12 months ago. However, we must remember this improved potential to tackle the pandemic is only due to the commitment of the UK population to get vaccinated, wear face masks, restrict travel, and follow other important guidance. Without these measures, and the collective efforts of all in society to follow them, we would face a starkly different situation.

COVID-19 remains a significant threat to public health in the UK and globally, and we are still learning and adapting our approaches to manage the impacts of the virus. Public health professionals continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 variants and deliver appropriate guidance to protect the health of local, regional, and national populations across the UK.

As we enter the latter months of the year and see an increase in seasonal viruses, it is vital that the public continues their efforts to tackle COVID-19. Guidance on isolating when necessary, restricting travel where possible, wearing face masks and washing hands, all remain important in mitigating the continued threat posed by COVID-19. We must of course also continue to support those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so, and follow updated guidance on vaccines and booster jabs.

Our recovery from COVID-19 is not yet over, and if we are to protect our health, our economy, and tackle the inequalities that we have seen exacerbated by the pandemic, we must all continue to take concerted action to limit the spread of the virus.

15 September 2021