From Monday 16th August self-isolation rules for contacts are changing
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What is changing?
It is no longer a legal requirement for people who are fully vaccinated to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19.
Contacts are strongly advised to take a PCR test and to limit social contact.
Anyone with symptoms is still advised to self-isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible.
Fully vaccinated means:
People who have been vaccinated with an approved vaccine in the UK
There were 14 days between the final dose of the vaccine and last contact with the case.
Other groups who are exempt from isolation if they are a contact:
Children and young adults under 18 years and 6 months
People who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons
In summary:
Contacts who are fully vaccinated or otherwise exempt will be advised to take a PCR test and limit social contact but will not be required to self-isolate whilst waiting for results of their PCR test.
Under 5s will only be required to take a PCR test if they were in contact with a case in their own household.
Those who are not fully vaccinated and are not exempt will still be required to take a PCR test and isolate for 10 days from their most recent contact with a positive case.
If you are in isolation on the 16 August and fully vaccinated, you can stop isolation from 16 August.
Remain vigilant and comply with restrictions. Meet outdoors, let fresh air in, get tested when needed and get vaccinated when offered.
You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules.
Cases
Last week : 21
Total : 4316
Deaths
Last week : 0
Total : 153
Between 8th December and 18th April; 671,070 people have been vaccinated in Devon. The local programme has also delivered over 210,000 second doses. 1 in 5 adults in Devon are fully vaccinated now.
We are now entering phase 2 – covering people aged 18-49. People will be contacted by the National Booking Service when their age group appointment opens up – by text and letter and offered a local appointment. Some GP practices will also contact patients to offer appointments.
Misinformation is still around about vaccines and so we have included links to some films to support your understanding and to share. It’s worth reminding ourselves that vaccines aren’t the whole answer, they are just a really big and important part of it. Our behavior, such as washing hands, using face coverings and keeping some space are still essential.
Not everyone can take a vaccine, which is why even if you think you are not at ‘high risk’, having a vaccine protects other people in our community who might be relying on you to keep them safe. We don’t always know when someone has a medical condition which means they can’t take vaccines, you can’t tell by looking. Let’s keep everyone safe and well.
An update from Torbay’s director of public health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant
Lincoln Sargeant
Our cases are falling steadily in the Bay which is great news and we need to keep them coming down, but the virus is still spreading between families living in different households.
Schools and colleges start to open with regular testing for staff and pupils
Wrap around provision able to operate for all children as normal. Parents and carers will need to check with individual schools and providers for specific offers
Care home visits allowed with one nominated and tested visitor
Outdoor recreation as well as exercise is allowed as a household and with one person outside the household/bubble.
Please remember that despite the easing of some restrictions;
* We are still in lockdown
* We need everyone to keep to their own households/bubble when indoors
* Keep making space
* Keep your contacts to a minimum
In his video this week, our director of public health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant reflects on the year since our first case of COVID-19 in the Bay, the difficulty for all those grieving the 148 lives lost to COVID-19 in Torbay, and he looks to the future as we ease out of lockdown. Watch the video.
Thank you,
Dr Lincoln Sargeant
Keeping people safe and well
Vaccine latest
Anyone who has received a letter from the National Booking System inviting them to book an appointment should use the website or 119 to book an appointment. The NHS is urging people who have received a letter not to contact their GP practice about a vaccination.
The programme of second doses in care homes is being rolled out during March.
During lockdown, it is necessary to reduce the number of social contacts we have. We can still leave our homes for communal worship and life events.
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals can take place. There are, however, limits on the number of people who can attend and venues must be COVID-19 secure.
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. This limit does not include the people working at the event. The important piece of information to share in your networks is that social distancing must be maintained between anyone who is not in a household or support bubble. Unfortunately, any gatherings after a service are not permitted as these events must be held in COVID-19 secure premises.
We know that lockdown is extremely challenging, and can be very difficult for people’s mental health. Mental wellbeing is so important and we are asking our champions to support your networks to protect their health and wellbeing as much as possible.
Please can you share the following resources with your networks so that they can access mental health and wellbeing support if and when they need it.
The website healthwatchtorbay.org.uk has information about local mental health services for issues such as anxiety and depression, and details of helplines, phone apps and self-care tools.
Local GPs are an extremely useful source of support and can advise on treatments and how to access mental health services.
The Mental Health Matters Devon Helpline provides 24/7 mental health help on 0800 4700317.
MIND provides emotional and listening support to anyone experiencing mental distress, their carers, relatives and friends 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) or visit mind.org.uk
It is also important to stay physically active during lockdown. You are allowed to leave your house to exercise once a day. Please emphasise the importance of regular physical activity to your networks, and remind them that they can exercise with their household or support bubble or, if alone, one other person from another household.
Torbay, Devon, UK, has now moved into Tier 3, this means that we are on very high alert.
Remember to :-
Wash hands, Cover Face, Make Space
Current coronavirus restrictions in Torbay
We must act to control the spread of the virus. When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we reduce the spread of the virus.
Only socialise indoors with people you live with, or who are in your support bubble.
If you meet up with others outdoors, keep to groups of six or fewer, and make space – keep 2 metres apart if possible.
Whatever you’re doing, think COVID and think hands, face, space.
If you think you have the symptoms – please book a test and self-isolate.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you need to self-isolate immediately, alongside anyone you live with, and book a free test. Only the person who has symptoms needs to take a test.
