An advertising blitz has been launched to encourage people to keep staying at home until COVID-19 restrictions can be lifted.

The campaign also urges them to continue with mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing.

And it appeals to people to understand the importance of remaining in lockdown, despite declining coronavirus transmission rates, the success of the vaccine rollout and the launch of the roadmap out of lockdown.

England’s stay-at-home order will remain in place until at least 29 March despite the minor easing of restrictions and the return of schools on 8 March.

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A 30-second TV advert that ends with the phrase “let’s keep going” is being shown, and the campaign will also run on radio, advertising billboards and social media.

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said we must “all continue to play our part” in controlling the spread of the virus.

He said: “Infection rates are falling, but they still remain very high and the impact of COVID-19 is still putting pressure on hospitals across the country.

“Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all continue to play our part in protecting the NHS and saving lives.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The British resolve during this pandemic has been astounding. We’ve all pulled together to help each other out.

“I know it’s been a long year but we can’t let up now. Everything we’re doing is bringing us one step closer to beating this virus.

“The vaccine rollout is going extremely well and is saving lives – but it is not the only way we will reduce infection rates and be able to get back to normality.

“So let’s keep going. I encourage everyone to keep playing their part and stay at home – keep washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance which will ensure that, together, we beat this.”

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