A message from the Humber, Coast and Vale Clinical and Professional Group and Directors of Public Health
It is incredible news that we now have a vaccine against Covid-19 and that this has started to be given to people in our region. Over the coming weeks, the vaccination programme will continue to be expanded and more local vaccination services will be offered across the region.
The NHS will get in touch to let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. This is a phased rollout and it will take many months for all of the eligible groups to be vaccinated.
This is hopefully the start of us getting back to normal – but it is only part of the solution and we all still need to follow the safety guidance for some time yet.
With Christmas fast approaching, many of you will be making plans for the festive period. It is important that we all continue to follow the national guidance and think carefully about how we can minimise the risk of spreading the virus during this period. Covid-19 won’t take a break for Christmas.
We urge people to shop safely over the Christmas period and to follow the best practice around ‘Hands, Face, and Space’.
People can travel to places that are open, but should reduce the number of journeys they make and walk or cycle if possible. If you are using public transport, by following just a few simple steps we can massively reduce our chance of spreading Coronavirus when travelling:
- Wear a face covering on public transport
- Wash your hands before/after travelling
- Keep as much distance away from others as you can
- Use contactless options to pay for your ticket
- Avoid busy times and routes.
Please also remember, anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 – a fever, a new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell – should isolate from others immediately and book a test online or by calling 119.
We all know that this festive season will be like no other but we also know that we need to avoid the spread of Covid-19, which is perhaps the worst Christmas gift we could give to someone this year. Across our communities we have had to make sacrifices. Many important festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah, as well as birthdays, anniversaries and other life events, have been, or will be, celebrated very differently in 2020.
This has been a year like no other.
Yet throughout, we have shown that by coming together as communities we can make a difference and support those most in need. We have seen the local infection rates fall across our whole region in recent weeks thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of everyone in sticking to the rules and looking out for one another. What better way to show community spirit during this festive period than by staying safe, sticking to the rules and looking out for one another.