It’s fantastic to see that more than 85 per cent of adults across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset have received their COVID-19 booster vaccination so far. A huge thank you must go to all those who continue to support the vaccination programme, including our brilliant team of volunteers in Swindon, who selflessly give up their own time to help keep things running.
If you haven’t yet had your first, second or booster dose of the vaccine, it’s not too late. You can book an appointment on the NHS website, by calling NHS 119, or by finding a walk-in vaccine session near to you. Until 31 January, we’re also offering a free return taxi journey to residents in Swindon who are either experiencing financial hardship or have mobility issues, to take them to a COVID-19 vaccination site, if they have no other way to get there. More information about how to access this service can be found on our website.
The Government has announced that from Monday (17 January), people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative on day five and day six and don’t have a temperature. Make sure you’re clear on the full details.
Here in Swindon, our case rate remains high, with particularly high numbers of cases in people aged 15 to 24 and increased rates in those aged 60 and over. Please make sure you get your vaccination (including a booster) to protect yourself from COVID-19, and continue to follow the guidance once you’ve had your vaccine to help stop the spread of the virus.
While the vaccine provides protection against COVID-19 and reduces your risk of becoming ill if you do catch it, it doesn’t make you immune from catching the virus or spreading it to others in our community. We must all continue to be on our guard and do what we can to minimise the spread.
For more information read the full E-newsletter.