As restrictions and isolation requirements ease, it feels like we’re coming to the end of a phase in the Covid pandemic. Hopefully, our lives can soon revert to some sort of “normal”.
However, it’s really important that we don’t get too relaxed and drop our guard. We must remember that Covid is a dangerous virus and remains potentially lethal. So we need to remain vigilant and continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and others.
To assist in the fight against Covid we should:
• Wear face masks when appropriate
• Maintain our distance
• Take regular lateral flow tests
• Be vaccinated
Stay away for 10 days
If you’ve tested positive for Covid, don’t visit vulnerable people, care homes, prisons or hospitals within 10 days of the test or first being symptomatic.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “There have been a lot of changes to guidance lately, particularly relating to self-isolation after testing positive for Covid, which can be confusing.”
“To be extremely clear, you should not visit people in care homes, hospitals or prisons within 10 days of symptoms starting or within 10 days of the positive test result even if you don’t have symptoms, unless essential and agreed with staff in advance. You should also carefully consider meeting up with people who might be more vulnerable in this period. “
“New rules in Scotland mean that someone can leave isolation if they don’t have a fever and test negative with an LFD on Day 6 and again 24 hours later. But they are not to visit vulnerable people during the 10 days and should avoid large scale indoor mixing.”
“They should limit close contact with people outside their household, especially in enclosed spaces and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.”
“We’ve seen over the past 2 years the impact that Covid outbreaks have had, particularly among those most vulnerable. So, it’s important that we all do our bit to prevent such outbreaks.”
“Amid all this, regular testing is vital in detecting cases at the earliest opportunity and preventing risk of spread.”
“Getting fully vaccinated also remains incredibly important. Being fully vaccinated means, as an adult, having had 3 doses of vaccine. So act now to ensure you are as protected as possible.”
Book your booster: https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp or t: 0800 030 8013.