How to stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19 post 16 August
From Monday 16 August, people who are double jabbed or aged under 18 are no longer legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case. This will apply to under 18s and adults who have received their final dose of an MHRA-approved vaccine in the UK vaccination programme at least 14 days prior to contact with a positive case.
Double-jabbed individuals and under 18s who are close contacts will be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible to check if they have the virus and for variants of concern. They will be advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and limiting contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. They will not be required to self-isolate while they wait for the results of the PCR test.
Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status or age.
People can order a PCR home test online or by calling 119, or going to a test site. https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. Click here for Government guidelines. Key steps in place include:
- testing when you have symptoms and targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.
- isolating when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries. - Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
- being outside or letting fresh air in, minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
Working safely guidance from step 4 – The Government published guidance on working safely during COVID-19 as part of step 4 of the Roadmap. This guidance reflects the measures different types of workplaces should follow when England moves to step 4 on 19 July, and has been published to inform planning and business operations.
Working safely guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19
Events guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/events-and-attractions
Edenbridge Town Council have taken a proactive response to the community since lockdown was announced in March 2020. We will continue to review our advice and responses in line with the government guidelines especially in the case of a local lockdown.
It is important we all follow the advice, guidelines and stay up to date with any changes. Please see below for the relevant links that will help keep you and others safe.
Some useful links issued by Public Health England:
Road Map to Recovery click here
Local deliveries click here
Key source of information for the public:
www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
Stay at home: guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection click here
Number of UK cases and latest figures – updated at 2pm every day click here
Guidance for residential care, supported living and home care please click on the relevant link.
Guidance for employers and businesses on providing advice to staff click here
Useful links and advice click here
Contact Edenbridge Town Council on 01732 865368 or email information@edenbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk
