Andy Burham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, says “safety must come first” in a new Covid-19 campaign.
Non-essential retailers can start opening their doors on 15th June and increasing numbers of people are returning to work.
However, the new campaign, delivered by the Growth Company in partnership with TFGM and GMCA, states that safety is the priority.
The Safely Reopening GM initiative is a coordinated campaign, supported by a new website and #SafeGM hashtag.
“Protecting public health remains our number one priority and Safely Reopening GM is a vitally important campaign as lockdown is gradually eased by the Government and people adapt to the realities of working at a time of pandemic,” said Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
“I want people to put safety first for themselves and others, wearing face masks in public spaces and ensuring that they are aware of what they need to do to halt the spread of Covid-19.
“Wherever possible, people should work from home. If working from home is not possible, ensure you are familiar with the information that will keep you and others safe. This will involve new work practices and behaviour and it is essential that everybody takes steps to ensure that they know what they need to do work safely.”
The campaign will encourage people to work from home, and avoid all but essential use of public transport and to walk or cycle instead.
“A coordinated and aligned approach to reopening the Greater Manchester economy safely is essential. Continuing the work started by the Growth Company’s #HereForBusiness campaign, we now want to provide businesses and individuals with the information and support they need to reopen and recover,” explained Mark Hughes, CEO of the Growth Company.
“We recognise that owners and managers of businesses have huge demands on their time and face significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead. The way through that is to innovate and rise up to the challenges they face and the Safely Reopening GM initiative is will be an important step in helping them to do that.”
