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Christmas is arriving, but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away

Christmas is arriving, but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away

With the festive season arriving, many of us will be visiting family, friends and loved ones. Meaning it is essential that we do not spread the virus further.

The Government state that vaccination is the best defence against Coronavirus, making you less likely to get the virus and reducing its most severe consequences, like hospitalisation. You can do this by going back to basics.

• Get your COVID-19 vaccinations and booster jabs when invited
• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitiser
• Wear face coverings on public transport and in crowded and enclosed places such as shops, unless you’re exempt
• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors
• Wipe down surfaces (handles, doors etc.)
• Take a free PCR test if you have COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolate if required
• Stay at home if unwell to reduce the risk of passing on other illnesses onto friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app. Keep your Bluetooth and contact tracing on to stay informed

If you haven’t received your first or second vaccination and you would like to receive it, you can book online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119. Alternatively, you can find vaccination walk-in centres using the NHS site finder.

There have been some recent changes to the eligibility for vaccines, including the booster, which you can read about here.