Face coverings
In line with the Government’s “Living with COVID” plan, staff, patients and visitors are still required to wear a face covering in healthcare settings.
You’re also advised to consider wearing a facemask in crowded enclosed spaces, continue with good hand washing practices and to let fresh air in when meeting indoors. Remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air!
Vaccinations
Although the legal restrictions have ended, everyone who’s eligible is still encouraged to finish their course of vaccinations to make sure they’re fully protected. You can book a booster jab on the NHS website, call 119 or walk into certain sites.
The Spring Vaccination campaign is underway and eligible residents will be contacted when they can receive their next jab.
Children aged 5 to 11 who are in a clinical risk group, or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, are currently being offered a vaccine. The local NHS is contacting parents and guardians by letter about this.
Testing
From 1st April, free lateral flow and PCR tests will no longer be available to most groups, with the Government encouraging “personal responsibility” instead.
Exceptions for free LFTs include the over 75s, over 12s with weakened immune systems, hospital staff and patients. Exceptions for free PCRs are still to be confirmed at the time of writing. Everyone else will have to pay for tests.
For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and www.gov.uk/coronavirus.