DOCTORS across north Essex are asking patients and visitors to continue wearing face coverings and socially distance when visiting surgeries, even though lockdown rules have eased.

Health leaders say while restrictions are being eased in public places, strict infection control measures need to be followed in healthcare settings.

In addition to wearing a face covering, patients and visitors must practise social distancing and are being urged to wash their hands regularly.

Anyone who refuses to wear a face covering and is not medically exempt will be refused entry to the GP practice.

Maggie Pacini, consultant in public health at Essex County Council, said: “Although legal restrictions on social contact will be removed, people should remain cautious and continue to take sensible steps to protect themselves and those around them.

“If you are asked to continue wearing a face covering when you attend your GP surgery, please remember that this will benefit other patients and also vulnerable people who need to attend in person.

“We have a duty to protect each other so that we can live safely with the virus and Keep Covid in Check.”

The message was reiterated by Essex County Council’s director for public health Dr Mike Gogarty.

He said while the vaccine has significantly reduces the number of hospitalisations and deaths due to Covid-19, it does not replace the need to self-test regularly.

Dr Gogarty, said: “The legal restrictions are no longer in place but common sense must be. This latest milestone does not mark the end of the pandemic, but rather a cautious step that has been made possible largely due to the success of the vaccination programme.

“Covid-19 cases in Essex are continuing to rise, although the rate of hospitalisations and deaths thankfully remain low. However, it shows that we cannot let down our guard. We must all learn to live safely with the virus, remain considerate of others.”

In England, it will remain a legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they test positive or are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace.