People urged to be cautious in Wiltshire this half term
Coronavirus cases are at a high level
With COVID-19 rates the highest they have been in Wiltshire since the start of the pandemic, local residents are being advised to be sensible during the half-term break and Halloween.
The current weekly case rate in Wiltshire per 100k people is 738.2 so Wiltshire Council’s public health team is urging people to bear that in mind when making any half-term plans and mixing households.
The cases are highest among the 10-14 age group so for those families who are planning on meeting up with others over the week they are being asked to do so outdoors if possible, as that is safer.
They say if cases are particularly high at their child’s school then people should consider limiting social interaction during the break.
If meeting indoors, people are being asked to open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and ensure everyone regularly washes or sanitises their hands.
Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said:
“We know life feels like it’s back to normal but we need to continue to be aware that COVID-19 is spreading in the county at the moment much more than we would like. We don’t begrudge anyone looking forward to half-term and Halloween, as a lot of activities have been put on hold over the last year and a half, and we know how much they mean to people.
“All we’d ask is that people make informed choices based on their own individual circumstances and continue to take measures to keep each other safe. Regular hand washing and keeping windows open are simple but really effective ways to prevent a spread of the virus. Wearing masks is really fun at Halloween, but we’d advise that face coverings are worn at other times too, particularly in busy indoor settings such as shops.
“Our priority is to protect people’s health and our health services, and if we all support each other and look out for one another then that will help us overcome the challenges we face this winter.
“As ever, we thank everyone for their continued support.”