Keeping Covid-healthy as self-isolation rules end

NEW Forest residents are being reminded how to keep Covid-healthy with self-isolation rules ending today (Thursday).

Hampshire County Council has issued advice encouraging people to "be clear on what they need to do to keep well".

The council's leader and chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, Cllr Keith Mans, said: “The last two years have been incredibly challenging, and I would like to thank Hampshire residents for following the rules despite the personal costs.

“As we all look forward to a brighter future, it is important to remember that Covid-19 can still pose a risk – particularly to the vulnerable – and for this reason, continuing to follow safe behaviour advice is the right choice to help limit any further spread of the virus and ensure people keep well.”

HCC's advice is as follows:

• Getting vaccinated and boosted offers the best protection against Covid-19 – it reduces the risk of getting seriously ill and of spreading it to others.
• Let in fresh air when indoors.
• Consider wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
• If you can, stay at home if you feel unwell.
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more.

The government is advising those with Covid symptoms to avoid contact with others, take a PCR test and, if positive, to stay at home.

Cllr Mans added: “While we hope to be able to manage Covid-19 like any other respiratory illness going forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and should things change, will consider whatever appropriate steps may be required, to limit any future impact the virus may have on our county.”

All routine contact tracing also ends from today, with universal testing remaining free up to 31st March.

For more details about the changes visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-plan-for-living-with-covid