Commenting on the further easing of lockdown in the coming weekend, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"NHS staff have worked around the clock to care for patients with COVID and to also provide care for the most seriously ill patients with other conditions.

"Trust leaders have continually asked the public to do all they can to support and protect the NHS by following the advice and guidance from the government.

"As lockdown eases even further at the weekend, now more than ever the NHS needs the public to remember that there are still patients seriously unwell with COVID and other life threatening conditions and hospitals need to ensure they have enough capacity to look after them.

As lockdown eases even further at the weekend, now more than ever the NHS needs the public to remember that there are still patients seriously unwell with COVID and other life threatening conditions and hospitals need to ensure they have enough capacity to look after them.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"This means taking a very sensible approach to taking advantage of the pubs and bars reopening and the public doing all it can to reduce the risk of any additional burden being placed on NHS services.

"It is also vital that when visiting newly opened bars, pubs and restaurants people continue to strictly follow social distancing guidance and hygiene advice.

"The public have made a number of great sacrifices to reduce transmission and protect the NHS and it’s important to not put that progress at risk. There is no room for complacency."