On behalf of Bristol’s Local Engagement Board, city leaders have come together to share a message of caution as the city remains in Step 3 of the government’s COVID-19 roadmap. Amid rising infection rates and an increased presence of the Delta variant (the variant first identified in India) across the country, the government has announced a four week delay to the further easing of national restrictions. On Monday 17 May, it was announced that the country was moving into Step 3 of the roadmap. This guidance will now remain in place until the next review, scheduled for Monday 19 July. Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees said: “I know this will be disappointing news for many of you after such a challenging past eighteen months. “I’m particularly conscious of the ongoing effect of current restrictions on our night-time and hospitality industries, and echo the concerns expressed by the Night Time Industries Association about the impact on the sector. Many of our venues have spent the last two months rebuilding from the ground up to prepare for reopening, and many people will feel anxious as a result of this postponement, including the approximately 32,000 people in jobs related to night-time cultural and leisure activities in Bristol. I want to reassure you that we continue to push calls for ongoing support for individuals and businesses while public health restrictions remain in place. 16
“However, the final step of the government’s roadmap is being delayed for a reason. Our infection rate in Bristol is rising sharply, as in other areas of the country. We have not met the four scientific tests to allow us to safely ease restrictions further. “Please be vigilant, to help us bring down infection rates and protect Bristol, so that restrictions can be eased in July. Do come forward for your vaccination if you are eligible, make full use of Bristol’s testing programmes and remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air.” Director for Communities and Public Health for Bristol, Christina Gray said: “It is concerning to see rates across Bristol and the rest of the UK are rising. Bristol’s rate of infection is now 73 cases per 100,000 population, meanwhile the England rate stands at 67 new cases per 100,000 population. “The rise in Bristol is being driven, in most part, by the effects of opening up and the presence of the Delta variant (B.1617, first identified in India). I know many of you were hoping for better news this week, but now is the time to get back to basics. This postponement gives us a bigger window to vaccinate more of the eligible population. Two vaccination doses, alongside COVID secure behaviours, is the best form of protection against severe illness. “The vaccination programme is progressing quickly, but we still have a long way to go.
