Covid-19 rates have been rising in Bath and North East Somerset, particularly amongst 5-19 and 40-49 year olds. The rates are currently the highest they have ever been on our area.
There is so much virus circulating at the moment and we need everyone’s help to stop the increase in rates. We are especially asking teenagers, parents and carers to be alert to the virus and follow the simple steps we all need to take if we have symptoms or are a close contact of someone with symptoms.
To support this, schools that meet certain case number thresholds are being supported to put in place extra measures such as mask wearing in communal areas for secondary school age children, not holding whole assemblies or other large gatherings, and staggering break times and entry into schools.
Secondary school age pupils are strongly encouraged to continue to test themselves twice a week with the rapid lateral flow device test kits, 3 to 4 days apart.
Adults are encouraged to test themselves regularly, once or twice a week with the rapid lateral flow device kits. If you have a positive lateral flow test result, self-isolate and get a free PCR test as soon as possible to confirm whether or not you have Covid-19. You should also get a PCR test if been in contact with someone who’s tested positive. If you are self-isolating due to Covid you can get support such as emergency food, mental health support and other help and advice from the Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050.
If you’re eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine (including the booster vaccine and the vaccine for 12-15-year-olds) or your flu jab, it’s really important to book this as soon as you can so you get fully protected.
With half-term fast approaching families are also asked to think about whether they can meet outdoors, and if meeting indoors, to keep rooms well ventilated. We know that the most significant route of Covid-19 transmission is through airborne spread, and so good ventilation is key.
While the virus is in circulation, along with other winter illnesses such as colds and flu, we advise that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded places unless exempt, make space, meet outdoors where possible, ventilate indoor spaces and if unwell recover at home.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to take these precautionary measures. We are seeing an increasing number of people in hospital with COVID-19, our NHS and schools are under increasing pressure, and businesses are impacted when staff are off ill. So reminding ourselves to make these measures part of our day to day lives will make a real difference to protecting each other and our communities.