Worcestershire County Council have implemented a considerable programme of work to reduce the sustained high numbers of Covid-19 cases in Redditch.
We continue to see spread amongst the working age population, so a considerable amount of engagement and communications work has been progressing with our businesses and workforce agencies.
The Council have put together some key messages to share across the community:
- If you are called for a vaccine, please take up the offer. Vaccines are safe and are our way out of lockdown.
- 1 in 3 people with Covid have no symptoms and are unaware they could be spreading the virus.
- Public Health Worcestershire is recommending anyone who has to leave their home for work is tested twice a week using a lateral flow device (LFT) site or through their employer where tests are offered.
- Lockdown has not lifted yet, it is really important to remember to stick to the rules: hands, face, space.
- Now is not the time to ease up, we need to keep following the lockdown measures.
- The virus transmits when large numbers of people choose to have unnecessary contact.
- Every unnecessary interaction is a serious problem, because it provides a link for the virus eventually to a infect a vulnerable person. Individual choices are key.
- Wear face masks properly over the nose and mouth not as a fashion accessory.
- Please share the online dashboard which provides daily updated figures for Covid 19 in the county.
- It is still important to recognise coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
- It is important for residents to get a test if they have any of the symptoms above.
- One of the most striking features of this virus is that it spreads invisibly from people who don’t even have symptoms.
- Anyone with one or more of these symptoms, should book a test using either uk/coronavirusor by calling 119.
- You should get a standard PCR test even if you feel well and your symptoms are mild.
- You should self-isolate as soon as you are aware of symptoms and get a test. The result of the test will determine how long you must stay at home and self-isolate. If your test is negative, you can stop self-isolating. A positive test result means you must complete a 10-day isolation period.
- If you are contacted by someone from the Test and Trace Service, you should follow the instructions given and self-isolate for 10 days. No-one from test and trace will ever ask for a payment or card payment details.
Resources are now available for businesses to download and use on the Council website on the Here2Help Business workplace resources page.
We are also asking employers to encourage their employees to get Rapid (Lateral Flow) test twice a week. Here’s the Rapid (Lateral Flow) test page on Council website.