Statement: Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement of a roadmap out of the national lockdown

Whilst we cannot afford to endure an endless cycle of lockdowns forever, neither can we accept high levels of COVID-19. That is why the Government is right to take a cautious approach to easing measures and carefully monitor each step going forward.

The ADPH has set out four principles that should guide decision making over the coming months: keeping transmission as low as possible with everyone in society playing their part; quickly identifying and responding to new variants; delivering a robust test, trace, isolate and support system; and continuing to roll out the vaccination programme in an effective and equitable way. 

The reality is, that we will be living with COVID-19 for some time to come. But by strictly adhering to a combination of measures, we should be optimistic that we can do so safely, whilst moving towards better days.