Covid precautions, vaccines and entering the New Year safely

A monthly column from Council Leader David Renard.

As a council 2021 was another challenging year as we continued to support residents through the pandemic while delivering the services that people rely on.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on everyone, but my thoughts in particular over the festive season will be with those who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease. It is a stark reminder, if one were needed, of how we all need to follow the public health guidance to do our best to keep each other and our family members safe.

At the time of writing, the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading across the country so it is incredibly important that over the coming weeks and months we do all we can to protect ourselves and others from covid-19. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our NHS colleagues and the fantastic vaccine volunteers for the work they continue to do for us all.

If you are planning to meet friends please take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before you leave home and get a confirmatory PCR test if you get a positive result. If you come into contact with someone who tests positive for covid-19, you should also take daily LFTs for seven days and self-isolate if you get a positive result.

If you display any covid-19 symptoms, you should get a PCR test as soon as possible and self-isolate until you have a negative result. If that result is positive, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Masks are also required in most indoor settings, unless you’re exempt or when eating or drinking.

You may need an NHS covid pass to attend certain large gatherings. You should download the NHS app and log in to get yours if you are fully vaccinated. You can also get the pass with proof of a negative LFT, which can be gained on the app. Alternatively, you can contact your GP.

But vaccines remain the best way to protect yourself, friends and family. If you are aged 18 and over, and have had your second vaccine dose over three months ago, you can now book your booster vaccine via the NHS website or by calling 119.

As we head into the new year, it is always a good time to set some goals and with covid-19 still very much with us, I am sure keeping ourselves fit and healthy will be a top priority for 2022.

In the new year the Council will be launching the Active Swindon Challenge app to help give local people that little bit of extra motivation to get active while also doing their bit to help the environment.

You will be able to download it for free from the App Store or through Google Play and those taking part can earn points and prizes for leaving the car at home in favour of walking, running, cycling or taking public transport to get around Swindon.

Please keep an eye on our social media channels for more details over the coming weeks.