Devon’s Director of Public Health advises continued caution over Covid

Published: 20 January 2022

Devon’s Director of Public Health has advised residents to continue being cautious and sensible to prevent Covid infections, despite an easing of measures announced by the Government.

On Wednesday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined his intention for the country to return to Plan A in moves to keep coronavirus rates as low as possible.  

Hospital admissions nationally have now stabilised and the numbers in intensive care are falling, meaning that:

• From Thursday 27 January mandatory certification will end, meaning people will no longer have to prove their Coronavirus status to gain entry to some venues
• The government will no longer ask people to work from home, but that people should talk to their employers about arrangements for returning to the office
• It will no longer be compulsory to wear face coverings, starting this week in classrooms
• There will be easing of restrictions governing visits to care homes

The Prime Minister added that he does not expect to renew the current self-isolation regulations when they expire on Thursday 24 March. They remain in place until then.

Responding to the statement Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health, said: “While we have seen a reduction in the overall number of people reporting a positive test in the past week, numbers are now stabilising, and we are seeing increased rates in younger children.

“Case rates are still high and it is important that people understand that this announcement is not one of ‘freedom day’, but a reverting back to plan A.

“Devon’s uptake of the vaccination is good, with more than 85 per cent of eligible people overall now having had their booster.

“However, take-up of the booster is lower in some younger age groups, and it’s imperative that they and everyone who is eligible for their booster jab, comes forward as soon as they can.

“Omicron is by no means a mild virus, and the symptoms to those who are unvaccinated or who have underlying health concerns can be extremely serious if not life threatening.”

He added: “So while the Prime Minister is indicating light towards the end of the tunnel, my advice is that we are not yet out of the woods.

“We must stay vigilant and alert to risk that is still around us.

“Being fully vaccinated, and boosted, gives us best protection from this virus.  It’s not too late to start vaccinations, and there are now plenty of opportunities in Devon to get your booster jabs at walk-in and vaccination centres.

“Wearing face coverings is still an effective and sensible precaution to continue in indoor and crowded spaces, especially with people you don’t know.

“Regular lateral flow device testing for people with no symptoms is still the best way to identify those carrying the virus.  As is taking a PCR test by people showing symptoms.

“Keeping indoor spaces ventilated is a sensible precaution to reduce risk. And staying at home and avoiding others if you have symptoms of the virus or test positive for it, is still the most responsible way to avoid spreading it to others.

“Please be cautious, let’s use our common sense, and continue to follow good basic public health advice.”