Leading healthcare professionals in York and North Yorkshire are urging people to remain cautious despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in England, saying "the pandemic is not over".

The call comes as the Vale of York closes in on a significant landmark in the vaccine rollout, with residents already having received almost 480,000 doses since the programme began in December 2020.

With most people having had at least their first dose, everyone is encouraged to keep up with their appointments as second doses are brought forward to eight weeks after the first so they have the best possible protection against the virus.

As cases rise across the region, it is important to stay alert to the danger of the virus, with around 1 in 3 not showing symptoms and spreading it without knowing. Those who have had both jabs can still catch coronavirus and suffer from long COVID which can take several weeks to recover from, but can last longer.

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Hundreds of thousands of residents in the Vale of York have had a vaccine which is very positive. However, everyone needs to remember that the pandemic is not over.

"This virus will be with us for the foreseeable future, meaning that it is important that we all continue to act carefully and remain cautious to prevent its spread. Please continue to regularly wash your hands, wear face coverings in crowded spaces and stay home if you have symptoms."

Professor Mike Holmes, Chair of Nimbuscare, said: "Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the rollout and helped us get us to this point. We are so close to reaching the 500,000 doses milestone, but we don't want to stop there.

"Now is the right time to keep pushing forward and ensure our communities are protected against this virus. If you have not had your vaccine yet, make sure you book online or attend a drop-in clinic as soon as you can."

Restrictions in England were eased on Monday 19 July; however, using the NHS COVID-19 App to check in to venues is strongly advised to help stop the spread of the virus. People can keep themselves and each other safe by regularly testing and booking a PCR test if they develop symptoms.

COVID-secure guidelines in GP practices are continuing in York and North Yorkshire, and the Government expects and recommends that people still wear face coverings in crowded areas, such as public transport.

As the vaccine rollout continues in the Vale of York, readily accessible drop-in clinics are available across York to get as many people vaccinated as possible. These can be attended by anyone aged 18 and over who has not yet had their first jab or wants to bring forward their second jab to 8 weeks.

The drop-in clinics can be attended without the need to book in advance, but patients are asked to cancel any existing bookings in order to protect NHS resources.

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