For the first time in two years, this long bank holiday weekend (15 – 18 April) offers the opportunity for family and friends to get together without any COVID-19 restrictions.
However, with rates of COVID-19 remaining high in the borough, Walsall residents are being encouraged to stay safe over the April bank holiday to help stop the spread of the virus as COVID spreads most easily when people mix and mingle.
It is important to keep up the simple habits we relied on during earlier stages of the pandemic to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and other illnesses to avoid passing on to others. This includes:
- If you are not feeling well, stay at home
- Wash hands or use hand sanitiser to kill germs before they can spread
- Open a window when meeting people indoors, or get together outside
- Wear a face covering in crowded places
- Get vaccinated
Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health said:
“This bank holiday weekend is the first time in two years that we can get together with family and friends without restrictions in place. However, we still need to do all we can to reduce the risk of catching and passing on respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
“COVID rates remain high in Walsall, with the current rate in the borough at 396 per 100,000 of population. It is estimated that 1 in 14 people in the West Midlands region currently have the virus.
“This is why it is important to be extra careful, no matter how much we have been looking forward to getting together. If we do not feel well or have any symptoms of a respiratory infection like COVID-19 or a high temperature, cough, runny nose, or sore throat, we should stay at home until we are better.
“Do not risk passing on an illness to family or friends. You might be ok, but they might get seriously ill. You can resume normal activities once you feel well enough and no longer have a high temperature for at least 48 hours.
“If you are due your next vaccine dose or are thinking about taking your children to be vaccinated, please do not wait any longer. Appointments can be booked online via the NHS website or by calling 119.
“NHS services will still be available over the weekend, but please choose wisely. If you have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical need, make sure you use NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E.”
Walsall’s children decorate town centre tree with hopes for a bright future
Plans approved for almost 100 new energy-efficient council homes as part of major overhaul
Walsall’s Christmas miracle: Hundreds of gifts distributed following successful donation appeal
Progress at new Household Waste Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station
New lease deal gives social enterprise strong future
Businesses support Christmas gift appeal following vehicle fire
Local group supporting people with disabilities create festive decorations for Tamworth Castle
Grant awarded to Tamworth Samaritans as council honour longest night by lighting the castle green
Comments
Add a comment