‘Further restrictions will come’ unless everyone follows the rules, warns York MP

York Central MP Rachael Maskell warned that if the city’s infection levels continue to rise further measures will be imposed.

She said: “In York we know that the levels of infection and those taking ill from Covid-19 are growing rapidly which proves the current provisions are failing to protect residents from the virus.

“An effective, locally run test and trace system is the game changer in this, since a rapid response to infection would isolate the virus and not only prevent its spread, but also enable others to continue with their work or education.

“In the absence of a fully effective testing and tracing facility, nearly nine months on from our first case, there are two choices before us as a city.

“First, everyone and I mean everyone, follows the strictest hygiene, social distancing by 2m and face covering regimes, respecting everyone’s space, or second, further restrictive measures will be imposed.

“I will be meeting with the Health Minister later this week to discuss the opportunity for York to lead its own test and trace system, as I believe that this is the best way forward accompanied by strict adherence to hygiene, social distancing and face coverings.”