PUBLIC health chiefs have issued some key advice for staying safe over the Christmas period, ahead of the first wave of Covid vaccinations.
St Helens residents will begin to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday, as part of the community arm of the NHS’s vaccination programme, which is being coordinated by GPs.
The vaccine will be offered to the community in age and risk order, meaning it will be well into 2021 before many people are able to receive one.
READ > Covid vaccine arrives in St Helens ahead of roll-out
While the vaccine’s arrival is a beacon of hope for St Helens, residents have been warned they must continue to play their part to keep the virus at bay.
The borough’s seven-day infection rate continues to fall, but fears remain that cases could surge, with measures easing over the five days of Christmas.
“This year has been an incredibly difficult one and at this time of year it’s so tempting to relax with the loosening of restrictions to see our friends and families who we haven’t been able to see as much in person this year,” said Cllr Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health, leisure, libraries and heritage.
“But we must not forget that we are still living with Covid-19 very much in our community.
“Everyone has worked so hard to bring our infection rates down and we want to remain low to reduce the restrictions on us.
“It is fantastic that we are starting to vaccinate people but that will not protect us over Christmas or even into the start of the new year.
“We all have to play our part once again to protect ourselves and each other.
“Thank you for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made in this unprecedented year, and I hope you have safe and peaceful Christmas.”
The vaccine comes hot on the heels of another key weapon that’s been added to St Helens’ arsenal in the fight against Covid-19 – mass community testing.
St Helens’ first symptom-free community testing site, which uses rapid turnaround tests, opened in St Mary’s Indoor Market last wek.
Two more sites at Chester Lane Library and Community Centre in Sutton, and Grange Valley Youth Centre in Haydock, are also open.
Sue Forster, director of public health at St Helens Borough Council, has encouraged residents who do not have any symptoms of Covid-19 to get tested regularly in the run up to Christmas.
Ms Forster said: “The key way to reduce your risk of catching or passing on Covid-19 to your loved ones is to take part in the community testing which is available at St Mary’s Market, Grange Valley Youth Centre and Chester Lane Community Centre.
“This testing is available to anyone without symptoms, with results available in as little as 30 minutes.
“To make this successful we have to make sure we get tested every five days or so and in the run up to Christmas it’s worthwhile factoring in getting a test this week and next week so that you can reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to others.”
Between December 23 to 27, households will be allowed to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households.
You can meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces.
You cannot meet your Christmas bubble in any other indoor setting, such as a pub, hotel, shop, theatre, or restaurant. In these settings, rules on who you can and cannot meet depend on your tier.
From 28, December, you must follow the guidance for the tier in your area.
Ms Forster added: “Make sure to stick to three households only from the December 23 to 28, we have been saying for months the key is to reduce your contacts with those outside your household.
“When you do meet it’s really important that you keep washing hands regularly and ventilate the rooms you’re in.
“This is not just important to stop coronavirus but other viruses that could be spreading at this time of year.
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“Don’t forget the basics around keeping healthy this Christmas too, make sure you include soft drinks or water in between alcohol to drink sensibly and follow the cooking instructions for all your Christmas treats – particularly if you’re defrosting a turkey remember it can take some time – so check the defrosting times a few days before the big day.
“It’s a lot to remember but we can all do our bit to keep each other safe and have a peaceful Christmas break.”
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