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Warning to act with caution and consideration as COVID rules lifted
24/02/2022
Public Health Chief: “Let’s take the next step together carefully and considerately”
The remaining COVID rules have now been lifted, but we’re being asked by Oxfordshire’s Health Chief to act with caution and consideration going forward.
From today people who test positive for COVID are no longer required by law to self-isolate. Instead they are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least five full days.
The fully vaccinated close contacts of those who do get the virus, together with the under 18s, are no longer required to test daily for seven days. Routine contact tracing will now stop and self-isolation support payments are ending.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “The past two years have shown us how a combination of science and community and individual behaviours can make a real difference with the pandemic. And I would like to thank local people for the important part they have played in that.
“We’re now at a point where we can start to look forward, to live with COVID-19 and be confident about making plans. But my advice is to do this with caution and consideration for others.”
Last week 658 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the Banbury FM area – the third consecutive week of falls and down from 846 the previous week.
Mr Azhar is keen for people not to think the virus is no longer a problem. He said: “COVID-19 has not gone away. For some – the medically vulnerable and the elderly – it remains a threat. For those who have not had the vaccine, it still has the potential to cause serious illness.
“There are three simple steps we can all take in the coming months that will make a difference and enable us to come out of the pandemic as safely as possible.
“First, be considerate. If you feel ill, then you should still stay away from others and remain at home while you have symptoms. As with any other illness, no-one will thank you for sharing it.
“Second, be aware. There will be many in our communities who will be extremely nervous about the recent news. Be conscious of other people’s situations and what they are comfortable with and adjust your behaviour accordingly.
“Third, be cautious. Our rates are still high and will remain so for some time to come. Making sensible decisions, such as wearing a face covering in crowded places and letting fresh air into indoor spaces, does not mean restricting what you do.”
The lifting of COVID restrictions form part of the government’s Plan for Living with COVID strategy. All of England’s coronavirus laws were due to expire on March 24 however the prime minister announced two weeks ago that “encouraging” data was allowing him to bring forward the date by a whole month.
Ansaf Azhar warns that we still face risks. He said: “I would also ask people to be mindful of the fact that our health and social care system remains under huge pressure. So please only visit hospital emergency departments in genuine emergencies.
“We know that restrictions cannot continue indefinitely and, as we adjust to living with COVID-19, it will be up to each of us to exercise our own judgement about how to keep everyone safe.
“Vaccines remain our most importance line of defence against the virus, and I would urge anyone who has not yet had their first, second or booster jab to come forward. Detail on further boosters is also emerging, so please keep in touch with government announcements and come forward for a further jab when you are invited to do so by the NHS.
“For many of us, the pandemic has been a very tough time personally. But now, thanks to the power of science and the continued effort of communities across the county, we can start looking to the future. Let’s take the next step together carefully and considerately.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam