Sunderland's Director of Public Health urges caution as Plan B restrictions come to an end

In her latest video to residents, Gerry Taylor discussed how local case rates are starting to fall in the city, but that infections remain at a high level.

Plan B Covid measures are set to be dropped from Thursday January 27, which will see an easing on mask wearing and the use of Covid passports for events as well as the end of working from home guidance.

Gerry Taylor said: “Covid has impacted all of our lives for the past two years and as we enter a third year, it is clear that the virus will be with us for some time to come.

“The good news is that locally cases are starting to fall, however we are continuing to see very high levels of infections across the city.

”Thankfully, with omicron, the severity of the virus seems to have lessened but we know it spreads much more easily and no one can accurately predict what the coming months will bring.

"That’s why it is important that we all continue to take the everyday precautions that will allow us to live alongside Covid and keep life moving.

"That means keeping up-to-date with Covid vaccinations, following the guidance on testing and self-isolating, washing our hands, letting fresh air into indoor places, and wearing a face covering in busy or enclosed spaces or when meeting with people who we do not normally mix with.

"Face coverings may no longer be mandatory from 27 January but we are still encouraged to use them because we know that choosing to cover your face when you’re inside in a public place can help prevent the virus spreading so easily.

The Sunderland Covid vaccine bus is in the city this week making it easier for residents to get vaccines and boosters.

Gerry added: "Covid is still here and it is not going anywhere anytime soon but by continuing to work together we can protect ourselves, friends, family and community and move towards living safely with Covid.

"Thank you once again for all you continue to do to take care of each other."

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