The UK is now seeing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant and we need everyone to take action to stop the spread.
We want you to be able to enjoy the festive period as times like these are really special for lots of people, even more so given everything we’ve been through. But we still need to look out for one another by playing our part:
- People aged 18 or over can pre-book a booster dose appointment two months after their second vaccine dose. You can get your booster dose three months after your second vaccine dose. Book your booster vaccination appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119 – demand is high so please be patient and keep trying
- You must wear a face covering (unless you are exempt) in most indoor public places, at large venues and events, and on public transport.
- Fully vaccinated contacts of someone with COVID-19 should take rapid lateral flow tests every day for seven days. If you test positive or develop symptoms, you need to self-isolate for 10 days. Find out when to self-isolate and what to do on the NHS website.
- You need to show your NHS COVID Pass at nightclubs, some venues and large events to show you’re fully vaccinated, have had a negative test result in the last 48 hours, or you have an exemption.
- Particularly through the festive season when people may be socialising more, make sure you wash your hands regularly, wear face coverings where required, take lateral flow tests regularly (particularly if you’re meeting up with lots of people not in your household), and try and meet outdoors where at all possible. If it’s indoors make sure windows are open and spaces are well ventilated.
Extended opening hours at existing local vaccination sites, along with the reopening of some vaccine venues, such as the Great Western Hospital, will help create additional appointment slots for people needing a booster dose.
People who are unable to leave their homes, along with care home residents, will be offered the COVID-19 booster vaccination before Christmas. These visits will be carried out by GP staff, as well as colleagues from a range of community organisations, to help make sure people get protected as quickly as possible.
Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everybody, including health and social care staff, schools, care homes, the NHS, the voluntary sector, and local authority colleagues, who continue to work incredibly hard across Swindon to keep residents safe. And thank you to you all for playing your part to keep each other safe as the pandemic continues.
