New advertising campaign urges people to 'keep going' during coronavirus lockdown
While transmission rates decline, vaccines continue to be rolled out and the roadmap out of lockdown has been published, the campaign is encouraging people to "keep going".
The campaign will run across TV, radio, advertising and on social media, reminding people that everything they have done, such as working from home, washing their hands, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and video calling, is helping stop the spread of Covid-19 and new variants.
It will air for the first time on ITV at 7.15pm today.
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Hide AdHealth and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The British resolve during this pandemic has been astounding. We’ve all pulled together to help each other out.
“I know it’s been a long year but we can’t let up now. Everything we’re doing is bringing us one step closer to beating this virus.
“The vaccine rollout is going extremely well and is saving lives, but it is not the only way we will reduce infection rates and be able to get back to normality.
“So let’s keep going. I encourage everyone to keep playing their part and stay at home - keep washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance which will ensure that, together, we beat this.”
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Hide AdChief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty said: “Infection rates are falling, but they still remain very high and the impact of Covid-19 is still putting pressure on hospitals across the country.
“Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all continue to play our part in protecting the NHS and saving lives.”
This week, the Prime Minister set out four stages of the roadmap out of lockdown, the first of which will involve reopening schools and allowing outdoor recreation with one other person from March 8.
However, even at this point, the "stay at home" order remains in place and people can still only legally leave their house for a very limited number of reasons.
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Hide AdThis message will end on March 29 at the earliest, when people will instead be urged to stay local and keep taking individual decisions around their risk exposure.
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