2 April 2022
2 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
COVID HAS NOT GONE AWAY – IT’S ON US TO STAY SAFE We have reached a stage where Government guidance has shifted away from state mandating, in favour of encouraging personal responsibility.
And while we are all keen to help Plymouth get back on its feet, the best way to do that is by being cautious. The Government announcement does not mean that COVID-19 has been eradicated from the city and there are still hundreds of people in Plymouth currently testing positive for the virus. As we move towards ‘living with COVID’ it is now incumbent on us all to make sure we take proactive steps to keep Plymouth safe and open for business. Even though vaccination has made the illness less severe is for many people, we still need to keep cases down. COVID spreads very easily and even those who are vaccinated are often finding that this is a really unpleasant illness to have. And, of course, there are people who are more likely to be seriously ill if they were to catch COVID; those people want to get their lives back on track too. We have already seen that the virus mutates easily; keeping cases down gives it less opportunity to change again. All we ask is that if you are due any of your vaccinations, please have them as soon as possible. If you are out and about supporting the local economy, please remember that the virus hasn’t gone away. You might choose not to wear a face covering in indoor crowded areas but, at the very least, please recognise that those who are wearing them are doing it for good reason. You can’t tell someone’s medical
history by looking at them, so please respect them, consider putting a mask on yourself and give people space. And, of course, if you do have symptoms, please stay at home and avoid spreading the virus to others.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES? Self-isolation
• The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test has now ended, although people are advised to stay at home if they test positive. • Self-isolation payments have ended, although statutory sick pay can still be claimed for COVID-19 for a further month. • Contact tracing has ended and people will no longer be asked for the details of who they have come into contact with. • Fully vaccinated close contacts are no longer being asked to test daily for seven days. • The legal requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate has been removed.
Testing
• Regular asymptomatic testing in schools, for teachers, parents, pupils and students, is no longer a requirement. However, as with adults, children who test positive are still advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others. • Testing will be scaled back from 1 April. Free testing (both lateral flow tests and PCR tests) will no longer be available, except for limited PCR testing for a small number of at-risk groups and social care staff. A paid-for testing service will be introduced for everyone else.
By Dr Ruth Harrell
Director of Public Health for Plymouth
How can I protect myself and others? We must remember that the end of the legal COVID-19 regulations does not mean the end of COVID itself and we must all continue to take sensible precautions to limit the spread of infection and keep others safe, particularly those who are older and those with underlying medical conditions.
This means you should: • Have the vaccination • Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces • Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms and stay at home if you test positive or feel unwell.
Where to get your vaccine If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van.
The mobile van will be visiting the following locations: • Sunday 20 March: Honicknowle Youth Centre (11am to 5pm) • Monday 21 March: Tothill Community Centre (10am to 5pm)
HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE
• Tuesday 22 March: North Prospect Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 24 March: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) • Sunday 27 March: Plymstock Library (10am to 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations. Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups. Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ get-tested.
You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19. NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on March 17.