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Wirral Public Health Blog: More to do to fight covid

THANKS to everyone who has stepped forward so far for their first, second and booster jabs.

We have had a fantastic level of immunization in Wirral, thanks to residents, community groups, businesses and the NHS all playing their part in keeping Wirral doing well.

But there is more work to be done.

Getting your jabs up remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, including the new Omicron variant.

Booster shots are crucial in restoring good levels of immunity in people who have been fully injected for three months or more.

If you haven’t had your first or second jab yet, it’s not too late! I urge you to get them as soon as you can.

There are walk-in vaccination clinics in Wirral or you can book online.

If you work outside the borough, to go to Liverpool or Chester for example, take advantage of the clinics near your place of work, to save time.

We now know that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly transmissible and has the potential to put enormous pressure on essential services this winter.

To stop the spread of infection, I urge all residents to continue doing everything we know to keep us safe – as well as follow new Plan B guidelines.

Please wear a face cover in all confined spaces, including on public transport, shops and at Christmas events. It is now a legal requirement to do so in most indoor environments, unless you are exempt.

Work from home if you can.

Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when you are on the go. – If you are feeling well and have no symptoms, you should still take lateral flow tests before socializing, going to events, busy workplaces or shopping. You can collect free test kits from many Wirral sites.

If you have any symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test. You can book a PCR test online.

Or go to a drop-in testing center.

If you have a positive test result, stay home.

COVID-19 is an airborne virus, which means it is safer to meet outdoors. If this is not possible, open a window to let in some fresh air.

I know it’s cold, but even ten minutes of extra airflow can help stop the spread.

Thank you all for playing your part and thank you for reading.

Julie.