UK: learning to live with COVID-19 cannot mean simply allowing infections to spread unchecked causing hospitalisations, illness – including Long COVID, and deaths
Joint Statement from the Association of Directors of Public Health and the Faculty of Public Health on the COVID-19 Roadmap.
Whilst the Roadmap is coming to an end on the 19th July, COVID-19 is not.
Learning to live with COVID-19 cannot mean simply allowing infections to spread unchecked causing hospitalisations, illness – including Long COVID, and deaths; and increasing the possibility of new variants of concern. Evidence shows carefully selected public health messages and measures both limit transmission and provide the foundation for a sustainable economic and social recovery, rather than being a roadblock.
ADPH and FPH continue to argue for a combination approach to protecting our communities. The vaccination rollout is a huge success and allows us to move closer to normality, but it is far from complete. Therefore, handwashing, ventilation, testing, isolating and face coverings in high-risk settings remain vital tools.
Balanced measures, clear communication and the collective effort of everyone are key to easing restrictions and keeping cases at low levels. This is a challenging moment and caution is crucial.
