Businesses across Hereford were today urged to help step up the fight against the Covid-19 virus as officials warned of a spike in cases in the south of the city.
Andrew Manning Cox, chair of Hereford Enterprise Zone, urged all employers and staff to be extra vigilant and work together to help limit the spread of the virus in the area.
Public health officials say there has been a rise in the number of people testing positive for the virus around the Rotherwas area over the last few weeks.
“We are asking all employers and staff on Skylon Park, the wider Rotherwas estate and indeed the whole of the city, to redouble their efforts against this virus,” Andrew said.
Public health officials say that some of the increased transmission is centred around some of the more social aspects of work, such as car sharing, coffee and smoking breaks and socialising outside of work.
They are asking everyone to continue to strictly follow all the social distancing and hygiene measures restrictions in force to help prevent the virus from spreading.
They urge people to keep well apart from each other even when having a coffee or during a break, to not share a car with anyone outside their social bubble, wear masks and PPE equipment when necessary and follow strict hand-washing and sanitising regimes.
And they stress that if an employee has tested positive, close contacts MUST isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether they test negative for the virus in the meantime.
Andrew added: “We must also follow all the restrictions currently in place, not just for our own good, but for the safety of those around us and the long-term wellbeing of our businesses.
“There is no doubt that by following all the guidelines, complying with the restrictions and observing social distancing and hygiene advice we can make a real difference in the fight against this pandemic. I would urge every business in the city to join with us during this crucial period.”
The latest official advice around Covid safety at work can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
