Please test before you go out – Government advice has changed
As many of us will be heading to the shops to buy Christmas gifts, or socialise with friends and colleagues, Stroud District Council’s Environmental Health officers are reminding people to take a lateral flow Covid-19 test before mixing with others in crowded places.
In addition to new legislation to wear a mask in shops and on public transport as a response to the new Omicron variant, the Government recommends people take an LFD test before mixing with others in busy places.
For some people this may mean testing more frequently than the previous recommendation of twice a week.
“Taking a rapid lateral flow test before a period of higher risk will help give you peace of mind that you’re not spreading the virus and, if you do test positive, you can then take action to help stop it spreading,” said Cllr Chloe Turner, chair of Stroud District Council Environment Committee.
“You are at higher risk of catching or passing on Covid in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air.
“The tests are free, easy to do, can be taken at home, and results come back within 30 minutes.”
Around one in three people with Covid show no symptoms.
Other ways to help prevent the spread of Covid include keeping rooms ventilated by opening a door or window. Research shows that opening a window for just 10 minutes every hour when socialising with others has a positive impact on dispersing Covid particles.
And having a Covid-19 vaccination, and making sure you have a booster jab will give more than 90% protection against hospitalisation from the virus.
For up-to-date advice on the Government website including the latest travel restrictions, please see: https://bit.ly/3ExCsdL
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