Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE, who recently opened Mickey's Beach Bar and Restaurant in Exmouth, is backing a campaign by Visit Devon and the NHS encouraging those who work in hospitality to get vaccinated.

It comes after outbreaks among young people working in restaurants, hotels, and cafes across the country.

He said: "As one of the sectors that have been most effected by coronavirus, it is imperative that our employees get vaccinated to protect their colleagues and our guests to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"With the potential relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, it is even more so important at this crucial time for our industry to be responsive to the vaccination programme to ensure the continuing reopening of the economy, our industry and the return to normality."

Director of Visit Devon Sally Everton said: "The last 16 months have been incredibly tough for the hospitality industry and staffing remains a constant pressure.

"We urge everyone working within our local hospitality businesses to have the vaccine to protect themselves, their colleagues, their customers and the businesses themselves."

Devon's Primary Care Medical Director Alex Degan said: "It is really important to take up the Covid-19 vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones and to help end lockdown restrictions.

"Having both doses can protect you against circulating variants including the more transmissible Delta variant. It also reduces your likelihood of developing Long Covid, which affects people of all ages."

All adults are now eligible for the vaccine.

Current advice states that people aged under 40 and pregnant women should have the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Consequently, vaccination centres in Devon are now using Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for all first doses.

You can book an appointment here on the NHS website.

People who cannot go online can call 119 to book.

To find your nearest vaccine centre, click here.

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