Thursday, 8 July 2021 18:25

Manor House Surgery, on Manor Street in Glossop.

A general practice in Glossopdale will be asking patients and staff to continue wearing face coverings after the final lifting of lockdown restrictions.

On Monday (5 July), Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out plans to remove the remaining Covid restrictions in England on 19 July, saying the government was looking to "move away from legal restrictions" and instead allow people "to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus".

It includes the legal requirement for social distancing and wearing face coverings.

Amid rising Covid-19 cases, there has been a mixed reaction to the plans but confirmation of the lifting of restrictions and guidance won't come until next Monday (12 July), when the latest Covid data will be reviewed.

On Thursday afternoon (8 July), Manor House Surgery - which has doctors surgeries on Manor Street in Glossop and Brosscroft in Hadfield - confirmed its decision that anyone inside either surgery will be expected to wear masks, unless medically exempt.

"We wish to thank you for wearing face coverings when in surgery - this is important to keep all our patients and staff safe," the surgery said in a statement.

"This has helped us to continue service during the pandemic and we are really pleased that we have not had to completely shut at any point (when other surgeries have).

"We have taken the decision that patients and staff will be expected to wear face coverings when in surgery going forward, including after 19 July. Not only will this reduce any Covid spread, it will also reduce spread of other viruses like flu.

"One can assess risk and choose to go to social events, but one can't choose whether or not to come to the surgery. We want to provide the highest level of safety for all. Please let us know at the time of booking if you are mask exempt and we will provide other options."