Cornwall’s communities are being urged to stay safe and keep following Government guidance on hands space face and fresh air, after a rise in Covid cases across the country over the last fortnight.
Residents and visitors alike are being urged to stay vigilant and not let the virus get a foothold in our communities once more.
Cornwall Council’s public health team is continuing to follow up on all new cases as it has throughout the pandemic. With vaccination rates in Cornwall amongst the highest anywhere in the UK, they are encouraging residents to continue to help by taking up a Covid jab when it is offered.
Everyone is also being urged to follow the latest Roadmap rules, remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, self-isolate when required and use rapid Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) twice a week to help identify anyone who has the virus with no symptoms.
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They should also self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test if they experience Covid symptoms – namely a high temperature, new cough or a change to their sense of smell or taste.
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said:
“Our message is simply follow the latest government guidance and when you are offered a jab – take it. We understand people want to socialise and meet up with friends after such a long time under tough restrictions, but we are urging everyone to remember the basic rules that got us to this point – wash your hands often, wear a face covering indoors and try to keep your distance from people where possible.
“With the summer season getting into full swing it is now more important than ever that we follow the public health guidance. Let’s work together to keep Covid on the ropes in Cornwall.”
Cllr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health at Cornwall Council, added:
“We are working hard to keep Cornwall as Covid-safe as possible this summer and I would urge everyone to keep following the rules and respect each other.
“Keep a mask and a bottle of sanitiser in your pocket, try to keep some space between yourself and other people, remember to keep testing with the LFT kits, and get vaccinated when eligible – both jabs!
“Let’s make this summer season as safe and successful as we possibly can and keep Covid cases down.”
Professor Mike Wade, Deputy Regional Director and NHS Regional Director of Public Health for Public Health England South West added:
“Cases of Covid-19 and the Delta variant are rising across the South West and we are continuously monitoring its spread and severity to ensure we take rapid public health action.
“We encourage everyone without symptoms to order rapid (lateral flow) tests through gov.uk and take twice weekly, and report their results online. Testing and isolating when required not only limits spread, it helps us to better understand how the variant behaves in the community which is vital to taking effective and proportionate action moving forward. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others.
“The way to limit the spread of all variants is the same: keep your distance, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, cover your nose and mouth when inside, keep buildings well ventilated and meet people from other households outside. Please take up the offer of the vaccine when invited.”
Lateral Flow Tests give results in just half an hour and are free to pick up from local pharmacies and some testing sites. To find your nearest LFT collection point visit https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Anyone who tests positive with an LFT must self-isolate immediately and arrange to have a confirmatory PCR test. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 then you must also self-isolate immediately and arrange to have a PCR test. You can book online or call 119.
For more on coronavirus in Cornwall, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus