Bedfordshire supermarkets and pharmacies support public health messaging campaign

The government’s 'stay at home' message is now being promoted in supermarkets and pharmacies in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Shoppers doing their weekly shop or picking up medicines and other essential items will see pop-up banners and posters prominently displayed throughout the stores, reminding them of the social distancing guidance.

This joint initiative between the three clinical commissioning groups (CCG) serving Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) and local councils has been supported by over 40 supermarkets and pharmacies.

Dr Nicola Smith, Clinical Chair for BLMK CCGs, said: “Supermarkets and pharmacies are two of the few places people can visit during the lockdown, so they are ideal locations to reinforce the message that staying at home will help stop the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.

"I’d like to thank all the supermarket managers for supporting this public health campaign.”

The six-foot banners and posters remind people that they should only be leaving their homes to:

- shop for basic necessities or pick up medicine

- travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home

- exercise once a day, alone or with members of your household

A joint a statement was issued by Cllr Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Council, Cllr James Jamieson, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council and Cllr Pete Marland, leader of Milton Keynes Council.

The council leaders said: “We are proud to be working together during this time of national emergency. Council staff across our region have been working hard to share the latest information and support our local communities.

"They are performing many different roles, from maintaining essential services to calling those in crisis and delivering food and supplies to the most vulnerable.”