HEALTHCARE officials in Warwickshire are asking residents to continue to follow Covid guidance, as self-isolation rules are relaxed today (Monday August 16).
People under 18 years and 6 months and people who are fully vaccinated no longer have to self-isolate when they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for the virus. They are still advised take a PCR test, and continue with regular twice weekly LFT testing.
Any close contacts who have not received both doses of the Covid vaccine, or are aged over 18 years and 6 months, will need to continue to isolate to protect themselves and others. Anyone who has Covid symptoms, or who tests positive, must continue to isolate.
Warwickshire health officials say that while these changes bring a level of freedom to people who have been double-vaccinated, it is important to remember that Covid-19 continues to spread in Warwickshire communities.
They are asking communities to continue to follow guidance to reduce the spread such as cleaning hands, covering faces in indoor public places, maintaining social distance, and getting lots of fresh air by meeting others outdoors or keeping windows or doors open for ventilation indoors – and are encouraging anyone aged 16 or over to get both doses of a vaccine.
Director of Public Health Warwickshire, Dr Shade Agboola, said: “Covid-19 continues to be prevalent within our communities. While the isolation guidance changes for people under the age of 18 years and 6 months, and those who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, we should all continue to take steps to protect ourselves by remembering hands, face, space and fresh air.
“Regular LFT testing continues to be important, as one in three people with Covid do not have symptoms even if fully vaccinated. Testing helps to identify positive cases and we encourage everyone to continue to test every three to four days.
“All over 16s are now able to get their vaccine, both doses of the vaccine are needed for the best protection against the virus. You can also demonstrate that you have received your vaccine through the NHS Covid pass, available as part of the NHS app, this can be useful when you’re going on holiday or attending large events.
“We’ve come so far together – let’s continue to do the right thing to keep each other safe.”
Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information about the latest guidance.
Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination to find out more about eligible vaccine groups and how to get a vaccine.
Visit www.happyhealthylives.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/vaccination-drop-in-clinics and www.happyhealthylives.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/vaccination-sites for information about local vaccination drop ins and vaccination sites.
Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass for information about the NHS Covid pass.
