Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that mask wearing will once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:
“Mask wearing is a sensible measure that helps keep us all safe.
“The new Omicron variant is a major concern. I urge everyone in the West of England to keep Covid risks and dangers to a minimum.”
The Metro Mayor has consistently called for mask wearing to be made mandatory on public transport and in shops since the Summer with messages on local buses and a regional poster campaign. In November, Mr Norris launched another big push to encourage mask use by writing to 10,000 local businesses and placing adverts in the local press.
He continued: “I would like to thank everyone in the West of England who has been wearing a mask. Undoubtedly you have helped save lives and kept pressure off our precious NHS.
“I remain concerned about our local health services.
“I have spoken to many local doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who tell me there are now huge and worrying challenges and our NHS is close to tipping point.”
“Everyone wants to help the NHS, support our local shops and businesses and to try and save Christmas. Another lockdown and a second cancelled Christmas in a row would be a disaster.”
“As a region we have shown the way in how best to keep loved ones and communities safe. I’m proud of all the people of the West of England who have shown such a brilliant approach to limiting the impact of Covid. The new variant is a worrying development and the government is wise to to insist the whole country follow what we in the West of England’s have voluntarily been doing for many weeks.
The Metro Mayor has also urged everyone eligible to take up the offer of a booster jab.
