FAQ on COVID
From Thursday 27 January, all Plan B restrictions will be lifted in England.
Please continue to be cautious by washing your hands, letting fresh air in, getting tested, self-isolating if positive and wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed settings.
For more information visit GOV.UK - England to return to Plan A following the success of the booster programme.
From Thursday 27 January
- Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS Covid Pass. The NHS Covid Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis as was previously the case in Plan A.
- Face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting. GOV.UK - Public health guidance will remain in place, suggesting individuals should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- GOV.UK - Department for Education will remove national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas, with local Directors of Public Health able to recommend the use of face coverings in education settings across their area only where the department and public health experts judge the measure to be proportionate due to specific health concerns. This is a temporary measure and Directors of Public Health continue to advise individual settings experiencing outbreaks.
- Any local introduction of face coverings must be subject to routine review and removed at the earliest opportunity.
Prevention
Unfortunately, COVID is still a health risk, and we all must continue to do what we can to help protect our communities.
There are easy ways to help stop the spread of COVID:
- Keep your hands clean - washing them with soap for at least 20 seconds and/or regularly using sanitiser is an important way to keep yourself healthy.
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors (meeting outdoors is safer).
- Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- If you haven't already, get vaccinated (and have the booster when you are eligible).
Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms you must stay at home:
- a high temperature
- a continuous cough
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
For a comprehensive list of COVID-19 symptoms visit NHS - COVID-19.
Testing
Most people are no longer advised to get tested. The Government has new guidance on how to live safely with COVID-19 available at GOV.UK - New guidance on living with COVID-19. The NHS has information pages on:
- NHS - What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19
- NHS - What to do if you've been in close contact with someone with COVID-19
- NHS - How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
Vaccinations
Vaccines remain the best way to protect ourselves and those around us from the virus. It is important that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as they are able and gets both doses of the vaccine.
Whilst some sites offer walk-in appointments, please note that this is subject to availability at each site on the day.
You can check what's available in the local area on NHS - Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
It is recommended to book your appointments as this helps with demand and capacity planning all round.
Vaccinations are now readily available for 12+.and the booster programme is well-underway.
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