Doncaster residents urged to 'bring sanitiser and wear face coverings' in bid to prevent second spike of coronavirus

Director of public health at Doncaster Council, Dr Rupert Suckling, has urged people to do these things to create a ‘new normal’ and to avert a second spike of the Covid-19 virus.

With shops given the go ahead to re-open on June 15 and markets opening on June 5, Doncaster public health experts are urging people to ‘not forget the basics’ as the borough edges back to a new normal.

Residents will be asked to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces, such as shops and public transport, and to remain vigilant around the two metre rules when they are out and about.

Coun Nigel Ball, cabinet member for public health, leisure and culture, said: “It might seem strange at first to do things like wear masks, or carry hand sanitiser with you, but we’re encouraging everyone to put this social embarrassment to one side and do it for Doncaster.

“The quicker we all get used to this ‘new normal’, the quicker we will see our freedoms, which many of us have sacrificed, coming back over time as we recover from this pandemic.

“Of course we’re all excited at the thought of getting back to normal but the fact is we are some way off that just yet – but if we embrace our new normal we can do things such as visit our favourite shops again and meet up with friends and family outside.

“If we’re going to get through this, we need to do it together and all stick by the rules.”

“We need to remember it’s been a stressful time and we are all fed up. We all want to see our families and friends.

“We all want to get back to normal but we need to think about what we do and how we do things. Hang on in there, look after yourself, your family and your neighbours but always be mindful and prepare first when going out and about.”