Although the government are lifting all remaining Covid restrictions from today (19 July) I would still urge all residents and businesses to proceed with caution. Our figures across Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire are increasing, but there are some simple and effective steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others.

I would urge all over 18’s to have your vaccination and to keep your appointment for your second jab. The vaccines are effective and do protect you from becoming seriously ill. Continue to wear your masks in crowded places, supermarkets and on public transport, and continue to wash your hands regularly.

The effects of long Covid are very real and we’re still learning about how this is affecting people’s lives. As a community we have all sacrificed so much over the last 18 months and we must not throw all that hard work away now, when we are so close to the end.

There are some steps that the government, I believe, should be taking to ensure our safety and that includes continuing to make the wearing of mask mandatory, fixing the broken sick pay system so that those who need to isolate, can afford to do so, and making sure that all schools have proper ventilation for when children return in September.

We must learn to live with Covid, but no one wants to see a return to lockdown. That’s why we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and others.