Public Health leaders from Somerset County Council are urging people to proceed with caution and act responsibly as the country has eased national Covid-19 restrictions.

Most legal restrictions relating to Covid-19 have been lifted, but the risks of Covid-19 have not gone away.

We are reminding residents about the role we all have to play in protecting vulnerable people and frontline workers as we move into this new phase. Being kind and gracious to others means understanding the concerns and vulnerabilities of the people around you.

Although case rates in Somerset are lower than the national average, case numbers of Covid-19 are still high.

Somerset County Council’s Director of Public Health, Professor Trudi Grant, said: “We know it’s been a tough 18 months but people in Somerset have done a fantastic job helping to keep infection rates down. While we all want to return to normal, we also have to remember that the behaviours we have adopted still play a key role in protecting ourselves and other people.

“The risks of Covid remain, and we recommend you continue wearing a face covering in indoor spaces such as in shops, on public transport or in healthcare settings. Please continue to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, meet up outside rather than inside, and, if you are inside make sure you let the fresh air in.

“Getting double vaccinated, self-isolating when required, and using rapid tests twice a week will also help limit the spread of the virus – so very important to help protect ourselves and those around us.”

Think twice, do the right thing, and don’t let your guard down

  1. Self-isolate when required – by remembering Hands, Face, Space, you can limit your risk of testing positive for the virus or being identified as a close contact. The rules on self-isolation remain in place until at least Monday 16 August. A positive test or being identified as a contact means you must self-isolate – this is still a legal requirement and helps stop the spread
  2. Consider wearing a mask – although legal restrictions have lifted, you can continue to protect yourself and your loved ones by encouraging mask wearing indoors and in crowded areas like shops and public transport. When wearing a face covering, the risk of transmission is reduced by up to 25%.
  3. Make space for others – giving one another space, particularly in crowded areas, can help you and others around you.  The UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) estimates that the risk of transmitting Covid-19 at 1 metre could be up to ten times higher than at 2 metres
  4. Ventilate spaces – letting fresh air into indoor areas helps to fight infection, protect your family and loved ones. Meet up outside where possible but when inside, consider opening windows or doors
  5. Get your vaccination – when it is offered to you, we encourage you to come forward for both doses of your vaccination. Two doses gives you strong protection against the virus. Go online now to find the easiest way to book in.
  6. Participate in testing – lateral flow (rapid) testing for people with no symptoms is widely available across Somerset. Visit the Council website for more information. If you have symptoms, book a PCR test online at GOV.uk or by calling 119.