Members of the public are reminded to enjoy themselves responsibly, drink in moderation and respect blue light personnel, according to a statement issued today by representatives for the emergency services.
The announcement comes in advance of Saturday 4 July, when further lockdown restrictions will be relaxed in parts of the UK. Venues such as pubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen, providing that they comply with Government guidance on social distancing. Other leisure facilities and amenities – including outdoor gyms, cinemas and social clubs – will also be allowed to reopen.
Ben Holdaway, Director of Operations at EMAS said: “We are asking our communities to be sensible and act responsibly when the pubs reopen on 4 July.
“We are looking forward to the relaxation of some of the COVID-19 restrictions in July in the same way you are, but many of our staff will be on duty responding to patients across the East Midlands who are still very poorly and need our help.
“Our ambulance staff and colleagues from across the wider NHS have worked phenomenally hard over the last few months and in very difficult circumstances to keep you and your loved ones safe and well.
“Now it is your turn to do your part to help them by knowing your limits and drinking responsibly so that we can continue to focus on the patients who need us.”
The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) jointly remind the public that Coronavirus remains a significant threat to public health and members of the public should take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.
In addition, the three bodies stress that violence against emergency services personnel will not be tolerated in any form. Prosecutions will follow for those who assault emergency service workers.
AACE Chair, Professor Anthony Marsh, said:
"We are encouraging people to drink responsibly, to eat before they drink alcohol and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. To continue to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, people should continue to wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing.
“We are also asking people to think before they dial 999 - is it really a life-threatening emergency? We urge members of the public to contact the emergency services only where there is a genuine need. Calling 999 when it is unnecessary means those staff and vehicles are then unable to respond to critically ill patients, or those in need of our Fire and Police colleagues. Most of the time a pharmacy, your GP or 111, are more appropriate options than 999. People should only dial 999 in a genuine emergency.”