We have seen a rise in the number of positive tests for COVID-19 in Plymouth in recent weeks, in line with the picture nationally.
The Government has announced new steps to suppress the virus, including tighter rules on wearing face coverings and higher fines for breaking the ‘rule of six’ (which now also applies to indoor team sports).
Businesses selling food or drink now have to close by 10pm and the maximum number of people allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be lowered from 30 to 15 from Monday 28 September.
Some of these new restrictions will now be set out in the law, with penalties for those who don’t comply. Further details are available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
The rise in cases highlights the risk the virus still poses to all our community and the need for us all to ensure we keep up the measures to keep Plymouth safe.
Any of us can spread the virus, regardless of age. Though some of us might have mild symptoms, it does not mean that we cannot spread the virus to others who may become very unwell.
Now is the time to check that you and your family and friends are keeping up the simple measures that will help reduce the risks for everyone.
- Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
- Cover face – cover your face if you are likely to be close to others in an enclosed space; doing this protects each other.
- Make space- keep your distance from everyone except your household contacts, or those people who you consider to be your ‘support bubble’.
It is also important that anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus must also self-isolate and arrange a test.
Please only book one if you have symptoms, or if you are contacted and asked to do so.
Director of Public Health for Plymouth
Some people are currently experiencing difficulties in getting appointments due to a national problem with laboratories not being able to process the volume of tests they are receiving. We are pressing for this to be resolved as soon as possible.
The positive news is that despite the recent rise, Plymouth continues to have fewer cases than the national average. By all working together we can keep it that way.
