York Central MP has urged everyone to wear a mask while out in the city, as cases continue to rise.
The latest rolling seven-day rate in York is 448.8 new cases per 100,000 people – higher than the Yorkshire and Humber average of 448.4 for the first time in months.
The Labour MP said: “I am urging everyone in York to wear a face mask, especially when out in the city, in shops and on public transport.
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“Keeping your distance from others reduces transmission rates and maintaining high hygiene standards makes a significant difference. These measures will not only protect us from Covid 19 but all infections, like flu.
“Of course it is vital that people are vaccinated and once again, I encourage everyone to have the vaccine, it provides a shield of protection.”
She said it was important also to avoid Long Covid. “It is estimated that there are 3,000 cases of Long Covid in York, some are very poorly.
“Previously, we were in lockdown when infection levels were this high, and while I am not advocating this, I am asking everyone to step up once more and do the right thing.
“None of us like wearing a face mask or keeping our distance, but we must remind ourselves that we could save a life by taking this simple step.
“There is a false sense of security right now that everything is OK, when clearly it is not. If groups are meeting, they really need to take all necessary precautions.”
Ms Maskell also urged anyone with these Covid symptoms to get a test:
- raised temperature
- headache
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- loss of smell or taste
- cough or shortness of breath.