Rotherham’s Director of Public Health, Ben Anderson, is encouraging people to take care as Plan B restrictions ease this week.
From Thursday 27 January 2022, the use of face coverings in public indoor spaces will become a personal choice, and COVID passes will no longer be legally required for events and venues.
While COVID-19 cases in borough seem to slowly be decreasing, they remain higher than levels before December 2021. Residents are being asked to remain vigilant and help to protect themselves and their loved ones by continuing to everything they can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent any future spikes in virus cases.
Ben Anderson, who also chairs the Health Protection Board for Rotherham, said: “Last week, the government announced that England will fully return to Plan A on Thursday 27 January thanks to the success of the booster programme. The majority of residents in Rotherham have now had their booster but there are still thousands of people waiting for their first, second and booster doses.
“While the vaccination programme continues, the success of the programme so far means we are now able to cautiously ease some of the restrictions implemented in December 2021. Public health guidance remains in place, and I encourage residents to continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially when you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
“Before meeting with friends and family, I would also advise you to take a lateral flow test. If you test positive, you should stay at home and self-isolate. Lateral flow tests are available at Rotherham libraries, leisure centres, and at pharmacies, or you can order them to be delivered to your house by going online or calling 119.”
With current case rates in South Yorkshire remaining high the Directors of Public Health for Barnsley, Doncaster, and Sheffield are also advising that well fitted and correctly worn face masks have made a difference to transmission rates through the course of the pandemic and are therefore encouraging people to continue to wear them.
They are also giving their full support to businesses and organisations who wish to continue to promote the wearing of face masks, this may include schools, public transport networks and public indoor venues amongst others.
Further information about how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19