Coronavirus is spreading rapidly once again in our area as the two-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown approaches.
The covid seven-day case rate in Lincolnshire currently stands at 802 per 100,000 people, with some 6,146 local residents having tested positive in the last seven days.
Public health officials have warned that the area’s hospitals are starting to see more cases in new admissions.
Professor Derek Ward, Director of Public Health for Greater Lincolnshire, said: “There is a lot going on for people to worry about at the moment so covid has understandably taken a back seat.
“Although catching covid is still a concern, spending time outside, meeting other people and taking a break from the news are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.
“It’s really easy for people to do small things that significantly reduce their risk of catching the virus.
“Covid still has quite a bite. It can hospitalise people and cause severe illness. We still need to take it seriously and put precautions in place.”
Here are the things you can do now to help reduce your risk of catching and spreading covid.
Get vaccinated
A recent vaccination (whether it’s your first or second dose, booster or the new 4th dose coming soon for people over 75) will help protect you from catching the virus and reduce the severity of the disease if you do pick it up.
Keep testing while it’s still free
It’s worth taking an LFT test two or three times a week and a PCR test if you have any symptoms. This will reduce the risk of passing on covid, especially if you haven’t got any symptoms.
If you get a positive LFT test, ideally you should isolate and follow the guidance on the government’s website. Although it’s no longer a legal requirement, it’s the best way to stop the risk of passing covid on to other people.
Don’t forget the power of handwashing!
Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps eliminate harmful bugs and greatly reduces the risk of spreading infections such as colds, tummy upsets and COVID.
There are key times through the day when you should wash your hands:
- Before eating snacks and/or mealtimes
- After a trip to the toilet
- After you sneeze or cough
Catch it, bin it, kill it
Carry tissues and use one to catch your cough or sneeze and put it in a bin straightaway.
Keep it fresh
Let fresh air in if you’re meeting inside and think about meeting outdoors where you can.
Consider wearing a face covering
If you’re going into a crowded, indoor space or making a journey on public transport such as a bus or train, consider still wearing a covering over your nose and mouth. It’s not a legal requirement in England, but it will help reduce your chance of catching or spreading covid.