Although most legal restrictions were lifted on the 19th July and many people have been vaccinated, it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated, and we are still in the third wave of this pandemic in the UK. We need to remain cautious and remember that the pandemic is not yet over.
There are steps you can continue to take to reduce the risk of COVID-19, including: limiting close contact with people you don’t live with; increasing close contact gradually; meeting outdoors where possible; letting fresh air into homes.
Face Coverings and Fresh Air:
We’re advised to continue wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces, particularly on public transport, and many local businesses will still require customers to do so.
Spread appears to be primarily occurring through household, social and workplace interactions, but it isn’t inevitable and www.germdefence.org can help.
Testing:
Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms, must still self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if the symptoms are mild.
All adults who don’t have symptoms are encouraged to test regularly using the free rapid lateral flow tests. You can order free at-home tests here, and testing kits are also available at local community pharmacies.
Vaccines:
Adults, and children aged 12 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Many people will be invited via their GP, health provider or school, but you can also book a vaccination, or manage an existing appointment, here, or can schedule a vaccination by calling 119.
More information on the vaccination programme for young people can be seen here.
Walk-in vaccination clinics are still taking place at locations across Birmingham and Solihull for first doses and those eligible to receive a second dose, with some offering the vaccine to ages 16+. Walk-in clinic locations, times and age-ranges can be checked here.
Vaccine boosters are being offered to: care home residents, health and social care workers, people aged over 50, those aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, adult carers, and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. People will be invited to arrange their booster vaccine 6 months after their second dose. More information on eligibility for the booster can be seen here.
If you are eligible for a booster and have not received an invite 6 months and 1 week (190 days) after your 2nd dose, you can try to book your appointment online without an invite, here.
Further Information:
We must still work together to continue to carefully manage the virus over the coming months. For more information on how you can do your bit to stay safe, please see the gov.uk website here.