LODDON TOWN COUNCIL

With new variants of Covid 19 in circulation, there are easy steps we can all take to make sure COVID 19 doesn’t ruin Christmas.

COVID case rates in Norfolk are standing at 348 per 100,000, which means the risk of the virus being passed on at Christmas gatherings remains high, but Norfolk’s Public Health Team are reminding everyone that there are simple actions they can take to reduce the risk.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “We didn’t see much of our friends and family last Christmas which is why I’m sure we’re looking forward to celebrating it with them this year. All the way through the past 20 months our maxim has been to protect yourself, protect others and protect Norfolk and that is equally true today and moving forward. We’ve been doing it for what is a long time now but continuing with those few basic steps  of handwashing, wearing a mask and keeping our distance will still help to reduce the risk of infection and stop COVID ruining Christmas 2021.”

For the first time in two years, Christmas parties are being planned and dates set: by opening windows, or by wrapping up warm and taking the party outside, you can lower the risk to yourself and your guests.

Another key step to take before the party, or before any meeting with family and friends, is to get tested: it’s simple and easy to get a LFD test, just pick one up from pharmacies and libraries across Norfolk and take it at home, to give peace of mind before heading out to catch up with friends.

You can also book a COVID 19 test online, just visit: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidtesting

Residents can also lower the risk of catching COVID 19 when out Christmas shopping by continuing to wear a face covering, and remembering to sanitise hands on entering and leaving shops.

Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk’s Director for Public Health, said: “We’ve not seen a winter surge in Covid figures in the UK so far, which means we’re all hoping to enjoy a more traditional Christmas that we couldn’t last year. But COVID 19 is still a threat and the recent news of the Omicron variant reaching Norfolk is a reminder we all need to be careful: to keep case rates from climbing and ensure we don’t risk spending our Christmas in self-isolation, we need to keep practicing the good habits we’ve picked up over the last year. Taking our Christmas catch ups outside over hot drinks, or making sure we keep windows open and ventilation clear indoors, can help keep case rates at their current levels and holiday plans on track.”

So this festive season, follow these simple steps to reduce the risk to yourself, your family and your friends:

•Clean your hands

•Wear a face covering

•Open windows

•Take it outside

•Take a test

Don’t let Covid ruin your Christmas.